Dr Richard Steadman says he isn't surprised by the knee injury suffered by Hull City midfielder Jimmy Bullard.

Steadman says the Tiger's £5m record signing will be out for six to nine months after undergoing surgery on his knee in the US.

But despite fears it could be a career-threatening injury, Dr Steadman says the latest operation has been a success, and he has backed Bullard to make a full recovery.

"He is doing quite well and doing a great job with his rehabilitation," Steadman told the BBC.

"The operation was very successful, and considering the severity of the injury he has come back from, I think he has a good chance of doing the same again.

"His first injury was so severe that it is not surprising that he has had a re-injury.

"This time it is significantly less severe. He had some slight cartilage damage and then the tear in the ligament, so we were able to rebuild the ligament and its very promising, as the rest of his knee looked very good.

"Its very unlikely that he will suffer another serious injury, although it is possible as the knee isn't made for playing football. The chances are small."