PARS defender Ben Richards-Everton faces up to five months out after a knee operation on Monday.

The 25-year-old had keyhole surgery after suffering ligament damage in last month’s 3-1 home defeat to Hibernian and, while the operation was deemed a success, he is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Richards-Everton went under the knife in Bradford and, after spending time with his family in the Midlands, he is due to report back to East End Park today to discuss his recovery programme with Dunfermline physio Kenny Murray.

Speaking exclusively to Press Sport this week, the popular centre back said: “I feel all right and it was a successful operation, which is good, and it’s now a matter of getting back on my feet and healing.

“It was suspected I had ligament damage in my left knee and I had an MRI scan that showed there was more to it.

“I couldn’t play on with it because I could make it worse, so I had no option but to have the operation.

“I saw the consultant, Mr Bollen, who has dealt with many footballers and I had keyhole surgery.

“It’s a bit complicated; a bit of cartilage disintegrated and disappeared into my knee, so they had to put three holes at the bottom.

“All the white blood cells will create a silicon base to make sure it doesn’t happen again and that’s why I could be out for some time.

“It all depends on how quick my body responds but I could be on crutches for four-to-six weeks. To be told I could be out for four or five months was a blow “As soon as I found out I needed an operation, I got it done as soon as possible. It’s just a matter of waiting now.

“I have to be careful I don’t come back too soon but I’ll be back in on Thursday. I’ll speak to Kenny and we’ll draw up a plan.

“I’ll have more idea of how long it could be then but I’m feeling no pain whatsoever, which is good.

“It was a bizarre injury. I went up for a corner, landed really funny and felt my knee quick.

“I didn’t think it was too serious at the time but it’s a case of having to look forward. I’m glad to get the operation done.”

Having played 45 times last term, Richards-Everton has had a stop-start season, with his 10th appearance of this campaign against Hibs his first since a 2-1 loss at Greenock Morton four weeks before.

Despite the injury putting a halt to his football, Richards-Everton added: “I can only be positive and try to get back as soon as possible.

“It’s not the end of the world and I don’t want to rush. I don’t think it’s as serious as Callum (Fordyce) or Ryan (Williamson) but it’s still long term. I’m looking forward to speaking to them; Kenny got them back and they’re both doing well now.

“I want to be involved and it was frustrating because I was just back in the team. It’s part and parcel of football, though, and I believe everything happens for a reason.

“I was given a couple of weeks off so I was able to spend some time at home with my mum and two sisters.

“It was great to see family and friends as they’re a great support and keen on my football, especially my mum.

“When I was told I could be out for so long it’s natural to feel down but they lifted me up.

“It was a half-hour operation so I was out the same day. I’ve been at my mum’s but my sisters aren’t happy I’m leaving because they’ve been spoiled having me home!

“I’m looking forward to seeing the boys; I watched the game on Pars TV and was speaking to some of them in a group chat. They’re disappointed for me and wished me all the best and the club helped me out. I’m on the road to recovery.”