GILLINGHAM skipper Paul Smith may not need an operation after all, it has emerged.

It was feared the midfielder would have to undergo surgery after tearing a cartilage, soft tissue and suffering severe bruising in his right knee following a collision with Crystal Palace goalkeeper Alex Kolinko on the last day of the season.

Now the bruising has gone, there is optimism that the injury is not as bad as was first thought and club doctor Paul Staker has put Smith on a 10-day rehabilitation programme.

Providing he continues to progress, Smith may need only a minor scope operation which would allow him plenty of time to recover in time for the start of pre-season preparation on July 3.