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CAOLAN McAleer is hoping to return to action around Christmas following surgery on an injured ankle.
The Dungannon Swifts attacker went under the knife on Tuesday to repair a ligament tear and chipped bone.
The Omagh man picked up the injury in a Danske Bank Premiership game against Cliftonville back in February and it continued to prove troublesome during the early weeks of pre-season.
Following a number of scans it was discovered that the former professional had a six centimetre ligament tear and a chipped bone meaning surgery was required.
The operation had initially been penciled in for November 3 but much to McAleer’s delight was brought forward to Tuesday past.
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