The striker hasn't been involved since the end of March as he tried to recover from the problem, but now joins an injury list that means big Mick will be relying on the depth of his squad once again for this Easter weekend.

He said: "Danny has had an operation this morning. He had a clean out, a wash out of his knee, he was having trouble with that. Alan McCormack is struggling with his back, so we've lost two experienced players there obviously with the other boys that are injured.

"Dan Potts, Glen Rea and a few others – it's made the squad a bit thin. Like we said, we strengthened and brought in players for this reason alone and we're going to need them now. Kazenga LuaLua is fit and has been training since Tuesday, so he's back on the grass and is absolutely in contention to play.

"The squad has taken a bit of a hit in terms of injuries – obviously suspensions as well, our top scorer James Collins. But I am not using that as an excuse. We brought in players to help us get over the line, we will utilise the squad as we will have to over the next four games.

"He's been chomping at the bit since he got suspended. He was apologetic for what he did. He was very remorseful and wants to get back and show what he's all about – scoring goals.

"Shins again was very remorseful, it was very unlike him, making those kinds of challenges. I think he got slightly frustrated in terms of where we were in the game and made a last ditch challenge, so we will miss Shins. He has had a fantastic season, but we will find somebody to fill his place."

The Town will be looking to get back to winning ways after their defeat to Charlton Athletic last Saturday, with Harford unhappy with the defeat, but explained his side have moved on from the loss.

"We were disappointed to lose that one in the manner that we did," he continued. "First half I thought we were excellent, second half we weren't at the levels and you've got to give Charlton a little bit of credit for the way they played, the way they went about their business.

"But there's four massive games left and when you look at it, we have had a fantastic season so far, we've put ourselves in a good position and as I said to the players, we refocus, we get our feet on the ground and we go again and that's all we can do – that old saying, bounce-back ability comes into mind.

"We've got four massive games, really looking forward to the challenge as the players are and that's something we're going to embrace and hopefully we can make it over the line."