Injury-plagued Darlington midfielder Michael Brough has revealed how close he came to having to retire due to the knee problem that has ruined his season.

The 29-year-old has played only nine games during his first campaign at the club because of a medial ligament injury sustained during a pre-season friendly.

After an operation he recovered sufficiently to play during October and November, but was soon back on the treatment table.

Another op before Christmas failed to solve the problem before a London-based surgeon carried out surgery for the third time in February.

"It got to the point where it was virtually bone on bone in my knee, because my cartilage was nearly worn away," he said.

"The surgeon told me that I could have played on for a while, but I really needed to get it sorted, with a six to nine month recovery and then a chance that I could play again. A chance to play was a lot better than what I'd been told in February.

He added: "The surgeon has tightened up the ligament, he's even put two metal staples in to hold it and now I'm working to build up the muscles around it for added strength and support.

"I owe everything to the last surgeon, and to Darlington who have been brilliant."

Brough will miss the FA Trophy final against Mansfield Town, the club he spent the second half of last season with, but the midfielder is simply aiming to earn another contract.

"It'll be a long summer for me,'' he admitted. "I'm out of contract then, I'm not stupid and I don't expect Darlington to renew it.

"But the gaffer (Mark Cooper) has been wonderful in encouraging me and assuring me that he will give me a chance to come back next season.

"That's all the chance I want."