OXFORD United skipper Adam Murray will miss the rest of the season.

The midfielder had been back in full training for two weeks after recovering from a back problem, and was on the brink of a return to the first team.

But after taking part in a practice match yesterday, Murray suffered a recurrence of his injury.

It prompted him to stop any thoughts of a comeback, and instead opt to go under the knife in a bid to cure the problem.

It is a big blow for United, who are in the middle of a poor run and have missed Murray’s creativity in recent matches.

The former Macclesfield, Carlisle and Torquay man could not hide his frustration at missing the climax to the season.

“To say that I am gutted is a massive understatement,” Murray told United’s website.

“I have worked really hard and wanted to play a part in the run-in, but I know I wouldn’t be able to do myself justice “The team cannot afford to carry anybody and the manager has always been totally up front with me, so I was the same with him.

“If I’m honest, it had been in the back of my mind all through this.

“I was taking pain-killers and was always aware of it. Then we had a training game and I felt a twinge.

“I realised at that moment that I was fooling myself really and needed to get it sorted out.”

He added: “I will go and get an operation and get it sorted and then work harder than ever to get back, and get back into the side next season.”

United boss Chris Wilder admitted the news was a big blow for his side.

“It is very disappointing to lose him for the season,” he said.

“He is a great character and extr-emely popular with us all. He came to me and was distraught that he won’t play in our last big push, but knew the injury needs an operation.

“We will get him right and get him back. I can’t speak highly enough of Adam or his attitude, and we hope he is back as quickly as possible.”