SEAN McConville’s operation on his ruptured Achilles tendon has been successful. 

The 30-year-old picked up the injury during Stanley's 2-1 defeat at home to Rochdale on New Year’s Day and went under the knife on Tuesday.

 It was confirmed after a scan last week that he would be out for the remainder of the League One campaign. 

"Sean's surgery went really well and the procedure that took place will help to speed up the recovery time and give us the best results”, said Stanley physio Matthew Donnelly. 

"I'd like to thank Mr Christopher Walker and his team at Spire Liverpool Hospital for all their hard work and help, and they will be continuing to support us for Sean's rehabilitation."

The news came on the day it was revealed that McConville had been nominated for the League One Player of the Month award for December with John Coleman up for the manager's prize.

A shoulder injury limited McConville to just 180 minutes of action during the month but he scored three goals, including a headed injury-time winner at Blackpool, as well as an assist.

Striker Offrande Zanzala says McConville will be a big miss to the team and whilst it’s not the news anyone wanted, they’ll have to soldier on without him. 

“It’s really devastating for everyone," said Zanzala. 

“Obviously, it will mean more for Sean to not be in the team for the rest of the season but for the lads it’s very difficult because he’s a player that bring a lot to the team. 

“We’re going to miss his character and leadership in the dressing room, it’s not the news we wanted to hear but it’s part of football and we’ve just got to take it on the chin and move forward.”

Stanley progressed to the last eight of the Leasing.com Trophy with victory over Fleetwood earlier this week, a result which the squad dedicated to their injured teammate.

They will find out who they will face in the quarter-finals on Thursday lunchtime with the draw now not regionalised between Northern and Southern sections.