YOUNG Saints striker Dom Ballard has successfully undergone surgery for an injury that will sideline him for the rest of the season.

The 18 year old went under the knife with a specialist surgeon in London on Wednesday, the Daily Echo understands.

Saints manager Russell Martin confirmed he had communicated with Ballard since the operation, which followed a patella injury on loan with Reading.

Ballard, who scored a hattrick for England's under-19 team just a week prior, could be facing around nine to 12 months out as he recovers. 

Asked for an update on Ballard's surgery by the Daily Echo, Martin said: "It went well. I spoke to Dom before and have shared a couple of messages since.

"He is in a lot of pain, physically and mentally I'm sure. He's a brilliant boy, really resilient and with lots of energy. It's such a shame.

"He was just starting to come into his own at Reading and he had a great trip away with England. Sometimes, it happens.

"How you respond to setbacks in football will define where you end up in your career but he will have an incredible support network.

"He has got a brilliant family to support him and the people here as well. It is going to be a long road ahead of him, it's a big injury," the boss continued. 

"It's up to us and him to make sure that he comes back stronger when he does come back. In the meantime, there will be lots of ups and downs. 

"We need to support him as a person first of all and later as a player, and of course, we will get him ready, but for now it's about rallying around him. 

"It's a big setback and disappointment for him. I spoke to Dom on the night it happened and I spoke to Matt Bloomfield at Wycombe, who is a friend of mine. 

"I spoke to Richard Keogh, who held his hand and supported him on the pitch when he was in a really bad place, so I am grateful for that. 

"Dom was devastated but the operation is now one thing ticked off, and every day you tick off is one day closer to being back."

Martin confirmed the young striker will not play any football between now and the end of the season as he looks to bounce back stronger.

The boss stated: "He will not be back at any point this season for any team.

"There is no real timeline, the injury is usually nine to 12 months, and anything can happen so he has a lot of work to do.

"It's a chance to strengthen stuff you don't have the chance to do when you're playing, so you can see it as an opportunity."