Footballer Stephen Hunt has been ruled out of action for the rest of the football season, it has been revealed.

The Hull City player has had to undergo exploratory surgery to tackle a long-term foot pain problem, having not played since February.

Hunt had been attempting to solve the injury with rest and recuperation, but as this was not working it was finally decided he had to go under the knife.

Speaking to the club website, acting manager Ian Dowie said: "Whenever you lose your top goalscorer, it's going to be a blow".

He added: "Stephen couldn't settle down and the pain returned. The surgeon took a look at it and decided to pin a little bone in there."

Those suffering foot pain may find that using an ultrasound probe eases the discomfort.

Players who have endured frequent foot and ankle injuries include Wayne Rooney, who has recently been struggling with slight ankle ligament damage, having twice suffered broken metatarsals in the past.