KEVIN HENDERSON'S first season in the Football League has been cut short by injury with the Burnley striker facing an operation this week.

Henderson has been diagnosed as having a double hernia which is likely to require surgical treatment to repair.

As a result, the mid-season buy from Northern League club Morpeth Town will play no further part in the Clarets' fight for survival.

And with John Mullin also missing the last three games because of suspension, Burnley player-boss Chris Waddle has suddenly been left short of cover for first-choice front men Andy Payton and Andy Cooke.

Henderson also admitted the timing had been a blow as he hoped to finish a promising debut campaign on a high note.

He said: "It's disappointing, especially with everything being so crucial and John Mullin not being able to play, Andy Payton with his hamstring and Andy Cooke having just had a knee operation.

"I might have got a chance but fate kicks you in the guts again."

Henderson has had bad luck with injuries throughout his career with fitness problems blighting his attempt to break into the professional ranks at Leicester City and QPR.

This latest setback, which has been linked to the switch to full-time training, came to light a couple of weeks ago and then flared up again after the recent reserve game against Bradford City.

"The doctor had a look and said he was 85 per cent sure it was a hernia on both sides," explained Henderson.

"We were going to see if I could carry on and get through to the end of the season and get it done then, but I went on for 10 minutes at Wigan and felt it straight away.

"It was agony the next day and I couldn't train. I am going to see the specialist and hopefully get it done in mid-week. That will give me all summer to get built back up." Henderson, who has been a regular substitute for the first team since the end of January and scored a cracking goal when coming on for his debut against Carlisle in the Auto Windscreens Shield, is looking forward to recharging the batteries before returning for the important second year of his current deal.

"I have enjoyed it and I can't wait to go next season," he added. "I am looking forward to the summer because my body is tired. I am ready to recuperate then hopefully next season push for a first team place."

Better news on the injury front is Paul Smith's recovery from a knee cartilage operation.

Smith's season has been blighted by injury problems and, after a run of five successive games, the left-sided midfielder was back on the casualty list following the game against Blackpool a fortnight ago.

However, he is on the mend again and may be available if required for the potential relegation decider against Plymouth a week on Saturday.

That game could be irrelevant but Burnley would probably need to win both their games at Bournemouth and Oldham and Plymouth lose at home to play-off placing Gillingham on Saturday.

Having scored five goals more, the Pilgrims may be able to close a three-point gap on the final day. Brentford, meanwhile, face difficult games at home to Luton and away to Bristol Rovers in their battle to avoid the drop.

Boundary clarets: Bournemouth, depart Dukes Bar 6.45, Turf Moor 7.00, Padiham 7.15. Members £15, non-members £12.

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