GAVIN Hurren is set to undergo knee surgery this week in his bid to play a part in Worcester City’s pre-season programme.

The defensive midfielder has been out of action since sustaining the problem in the 1-0 victory at Guiseley on March 12.

He has been waiting on a date for the operation to repair cartilage damage and it is hoped to be in the next few days.

Hurren will then face a period of rehabilitation, but should be fit enough to be involved at some point in the build-up to the new campaign.

City return from their summer break on Saturday, July 2, and, although not yet certain to be kept on for the 2011/12 season, Hurren will be keen to impress manager Carl Heeley and extend his stay at St George’s Lane.

“If he had his surgery some time next week, he would miss the first couple of weeks of pre-season,” said Worcester physio Steve Ball.

The 25-year-old former Kidderminster Harriers man played seven games before his injury after leaving county rivals Redditch United in February. His efforts in front of the back-four gave more freedom to fellow midfielder Kevin O’Connor to work in tandem with Tom Thorley.

Meanwhile, City can expect to find out this weekend who their Blue Square Bet North opponents will be next season.

The make-up of the non-league structure will be confirmed at the Conference’s annual general meeting at Celtic Manor, Newport, today and tomorrow.

City, who will be represented in south Wales by chairman Anthony Hampson, look set to be joined by Halifax, Colwyn Bay, Southport, Altrincham and Histon.

They will replace promoted Alfreton Town and Telford and relegated duo Redditch and Stafford Rangers as well as fill the void left by Ilkeston Town when they went out of business last September.