SHWAN Jalal has finally conceded defeat in his battle to overcome a persistent back injury and will tomorrow have surgery to cure the problem.

Goalkeeper Jalal has been playing and training through the pain barrier since suffering disc-related nerve damage more than 16 months ago.

The 28-year-old was plagued by discomfort for most of last season but still managed to play a starring role as Cherries reached the League One play-offs.

Jalal, who lost his place following the arrival of Darryl Flahavan in the summer, is set to be sidelined for around six weeks after he has gone under the knife.

Cherries boss Lee Bradbury could recall third-choice stopper Dan Thomas from a loan spell at Southern League AFC Totton to cover for Jalal’s absence.

Jalal told the Daily Echo: “I jarred my back before we played Southampton at St Mary’s in October last season and have suffered quite a lot of sciatic pain ever since. I have been getting through games but it has been troubling me.

“The pain worsened during pre-season and, as the season has gone on, it has been aggravating me. I spoke to the manager and Steve Hard (Cherries physio) who were both very supportive.

“I went to see a surgeon and he said I had a disc bulge pressing on my sciatic nerve. It is known as a herniated disc and the procedure will be to remove it. It has been giving me pain down the back of my leg.”

Jalal, who has been restricted to just three starts in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy this season, added: “It is one of those things and has always been at the back of my mind. It has been frustrating being out of the team and, although I am not making excuses, I haven’t felt 100 per cent for a while.

“There were times when I couldn’t walk straight after games because I was in so much pain. I have had three epidural injections and was taking anti-inflammatory tablets.

“I have tried to keep going and the club has been very supportive. I have tried my best for the club as well and have trained pretty much every day. I can’t remember missing too many days.

“But it has got to the stage where it is time to nip it in the bud and the surgeon has said it is a straight forward operation. I am looking forward to getting it done, getting back fully fit and battling for a place with Flavs.”

Bradbury has said he will consider activating a 24-hour recall clause in Thomas’s agreement with AFC Totton and may also dispense with a substitute goalkeeper in certain games.

“There may be occasions when I will go with five outfield players,” said Bradbury.

“It is not something I have done before and I realise it is a risk. A lot of teams do it to give themselves more options on the bench and it is something to think about.”

Should Bradbury decide to go with five outfield subs, striker Michael Symes and midfielder Steven Gregory would be in contention to don the goalkeeper’s gloves in an emergency.