FOOTBALL: Blow for Boyce

But it could have been worse for the striker, who notched 23 goals last term, as it was feared that he was going to have to get a double hernia operation.

That would have ruled the 24-year-old out of action for several months.

Those fears were allayed this week though and Boyce will now have an operation at the Causeway Hospital this Thursday to clear up the problem which dogged him for most of last season.

"Thankfully it's only my left side I need operated on," Boyce told Times Sport on Monday.

"It looked as though I might need both done, but the doctor told me that the right side should ease up with a bit of rest, which I'm going to get now with this operation.

"It's not ideal but at least I'll only really miss the first couple of games and I'm suspended for one of those anyway. If I had both done I would have been out for a lot longer.

"It's better getting it done now during the summer and hopefully I'll be able to put it behind me next season.

"I struggled with it a lot last season. I had to take painkillers just to be able to play, but as the game went in to the closing stages the pain was coming back and I really wasn't able for anything.

"Realistically I'll be out of action for about six weeks, which means I'll miss the first couple of weeks of pre-season.

"After that it will be all about getting back into the swing of things and hopefully I'll be back in action before the end of August.

"Thank goodness the World Cup is on so I can watch a bit of football during my recovery," added Boyce.

Meanwhile, Coleraine have confirmed that they will be heading to Scotland in July to take part in a two-day tournament at host club Stranraer.

The Bannsiders and Stranraer are two of the clubs taking part in the four team tournament at Stair Park on July 17 and 18.

Interest amongst Coleraine fans is already high with many fans already booking travel and accommodation in the Scottish coastal town before the other two teams have been confirmed.

Coleraine kick off their pre-season firendlies with a home game against Ballymoney on July 15. They then travel to Limavady United (July 22) and Glebe Rangers (July 24) before entertaining Ards (July 31).

They finish off at Portstewart on August 2 but club officials have confirmed that more dates will be added for the week beginning July 26.