ANDY Williams is hoping to end his injury woe and extend his stay at County Ground.

The player was expected to undergo an operation today to clear up a hernia problem.

Many players with similar injuries try to struggle on through the season and then have the problem dealt with during the summer months.

However, Williams has only made one start in the first team this season and he is anxious to force his way back to fitness - and into the new manager's plans.

It is just over a year since he arrived at Town in a £60,000 deal from Southampton, following a loan spell with the club.

After enjoying a promising first season with the club, Williams' preparations for the new season suffered a blow.

He said: "I felt I had a groin problem during pre-season but at first I just put it down to a strain."

The player gradually realised the problem was more serious and visited a specialist on Monday.

"Some days it has felt OK, but other times it is a struggle. I have been told that I could be back playing in about six weeks," he said.

Another reason for Williams' desire to have the operation now is to give himself time to impress the boss and extend his stay at the County Ground.

"My contract runs out at the end of the season but I am happy at Swindon," he said.

Caretaker boss Andy King said it was right for Williams to take his break and get fit.

"He has been playing upto 40 per cent of his capabilities because of the injury and he needs to get it sorted out," he said.

"He has a year left on the contract and I want to see the Andy Williams who set the world alight when he first came here."

The FA have refused to look at Andy Williams's sending off against Millwall. They do not grant appeals for second yellow offences, only straight reds.