Harry Redknapp is convinced the latest operation on Jonathan Woodgate will remedy his ongoing groin problems.

Woodgate has made just a handful of appearances this term, the latest being in November, and he has been ruled out of the remainder of the campaign by an operation.

The surgery has been carried out in Australia and Redknapp feels the doctors have rooted out the problem. "Jonathan had an operation on his groin in Australia," Redknapp said. "He went to America and ended up in Australia.

"There were a couple of options but they feel they have the right answer now. The Australian people operated on him at midnight and I will ring him today to see how he is.

"There's no chance he will play again this season, though. He's going to spend the next three weeks in Australia recovering with the specialist."