Newcastle captain Kevin Nolan to miss the rest of the season after ankle operation

EPL : Kevin Nolan , Newcastle United v Liverpool (Getty Images)

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Newcastle United will be without captain Kevin Nolan for the rest of the season following the midfielder having surgery on his ankle.

Nolan has been instrumental in keeping the Magpies in the Premier League this season, firing 12 goals including a hat-trick against local rivals Sunderland at St James’ Park.

Alan Pardew’s side hope that by having surgery now the midfielder will be fit for the start of next season’s campaign in starting in August.

A statement on the clubs official website said: “Kevin Nolan will undergo a minor operation on his right ankle later today which will see him miss United’s last two games of the season.

“The skipper has been troubled by an ankle problem throughout the season, but the operation is going ahead now in order to allow him time to regain full fitness prior to the start of United’s pre-season programme in July.”

Nolan joined Newcastle in January of 2009 from Bolton Wanderers but was unable to keep them from relegation at the end of the season.

He was a crucial part Chris Hughton’s Championship winning side that stormed the second tier last season and has continued to perform to a high standard this year under new boss Pardew.

Meanwhile Newcastle have also revealed that Steve Harper will also be going under the knife tomorrow for a knee operation. The keeper has missed the last four league matches with Tim Krul deputising for him between the sticks.