MARIAN PAHARS is contemplating playing through the pain barrier rather than have another operation on his troublesome ankle.

The Latvian striker is having another scan this week to see if the injury is healing as he's still unable to run without pain.

Pahars said: "It is very frustrating. I thought I was going to be able to train at the end of last week but it is still not right.

"Sometimes it is okay and I relax and forget about it and then suddenly I will get a jolt of pain.

"It might be something I just have to try and play through if it is not going to get any better because I really do not want another operation.

"I am hoping the scan might discover the cause because after Euro 2004 I felt good and I was really hoping to get back on track this season. Now it looks as though I might be a few more weeks."

Pahars, 28, has struggled to play regularly for the past two seasons after a succession of injuries.

He joins Michael Svensson, Matt Oakley, Jason Dodd, Yoann Folly, Paul Smith and Leandre Griffit on the sidelines for Saturday's match with Manchester City at St Mary's.