BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent defender Kevin Hughes has received a major boost in his quest to shake off a knee injury.

The pivotal centre-half had feared his playing days could be numbered due to the troublesome problem.

He is set to have an operation tomorrow but after that could be back in action within two or three weeks.

“Kev saw a surgeon and was told he needs to have the knee cleaned out,” said Regent boss James Webster.

“At one point he feared this might be a career-ending injury, but he’ll only be out for a few weeks after the surgery.

“Hopefully he can then come back fit and strong and it’s a massive lift for everyone.

“He’s such a big member of our squad and such an important player, so to hopefully have him available for the end of the season is such a boost.”