CHERRIES stalwart Adam Smith has undergone successful surgery on a knee injury, boss Scott Parker revealed.

The 30-year-old had been out of action since October due to a knee problem, but returned to play the full 90 minutes of the 1-1 draw with Championship leaders Fulham on December 3.

However, the defender then suffered a recurrence of the problem and is set for a spell on the sidelines.

Taking to social media last week, Smith wrote: "Absolutely gutted to have a recurrence of my knee injury.

“I worked tirelessly to get back fit to try and help the team and I enjoyed playing last Friday but unfortunately the injury has recurred.

“I have had many setbacks in my career and I have always come back stronger than before.

“I will dig deep again to get back fit and do all that I can to be back out on the pitch. Thanks for all your messages. Smudge."

Asked if there was any timescale on how long Smith could be unavailable, Parker told the Daily Echo: "He’s had surgery now.

"He’s come out of the surgery and surgery went really well.

"He’ll be some weeks. We won’t be seeing him until the New Year and after that really.

"He’s on his road to recovery now. He’ll be fine, he’ll come through this."