Coventry have suffered a blow with the news that influential midfielder Michael Doyle will miss the start of next season with a hernia problem.The 26-year-old has been ruled out for four months after a scheduled operation, which was delayed towards the end of this season, discovered the injury was more severe than first thought.

The news means Doyle, who made more appearances this term than any other City player, will miss the club's pre-season schedule and the start of the 2008/09 campaign.

Boss Chris Coleman told the club's official website: "Because he played on (with the problem) it appears to have aggravated the injury and done more damage. He carried on playing to help us through a difficult time and it's a great shame he will not be fit for the start of the new campaign.

"He's a very fit lad whose physical capacity is very good. He has a great engine and I imagine he'll be back as quickly as he possibly can be."

More Football News from TEAMtalk