Ashley Ward will not need an ankle operation. That was the good news from the City striker's visit to Dutch specialist Nick van Dijk.

Ward, troubled with the injury since September 2, was sent to Amsterdam to see the Ajax club doctor who is an expert in ankle problems. Van Dijk's verdict was that it could be cured by a rest period rather than surgery.

Ward said: "It's a massive relief. I feared I was looking at three to four months out but hopefully it will only be a few weeks."

Manager Jim Jefferies intended to give the centre-forward a couple of weeks to let the ankle settle down. He said: "Ashley has been given the all-clear to just rest up with it. It's very good news that he doesn't need an operation and we now just have to wait until it settles.

"We've been rushing him back early before and that has clearly not been working so it's important he has the time now to get totally clear.

"Andy Tod has come in up front and done well in his Ashley's absence. So we can give him the time for the ankle to completely heal."

City are waiting to find out the extent of Gary Walsh's back injury following yesterday's car crash. They fear the goalkeeper may be suffering from whiplash and Walsh was due to see a chiropractor.

Jefferies said: "We're waiting to find out the results. You never know with back injuries and we want to find out how serious it is."