Liam Lawrence has undergone successful surgery on an ankle injury. The Stoke star needed the operation after tripping over his dog and falling down the stairs.

He explained: "It all went well. We decided to operate just to make sure there was nothing else going on.

"In the exploratory operation the surgeon found a tear in the ligament that was catching and causing the pain.

"The specialist has repaired the problem and is very positive that I will make a full recovery."

The winger told the club's official web site: "I'm itching to get back out there and I'll hopefully be back out at the training ground very soon. I can't wait to get back playing."