King's Lynn Town captain Richard Bunting is confident his season isn't over.

The central midfielder has played through the pain barrier all season but has been forced to miss his side's last three games after his on-going groin problem deteriorated during his side's win at Chasetown on March 19.

The Linnets' skipper's worst fears were realised on Thursday when he visited the Gilmore Groin & Hernia Clinic in London's Harley Street and was told he was suffering with a sports hernia – known as Gilmore's Groin.

The 29-year-old has decided against having an operation until May in the hope that he can help Lynn's title challenge. And even though he is unavailable for this afternoon's visit of Loughborough Dynamo, Bunting believes he should be fit for the Linnets' next match at Halesowen Town in seven days. he said: 'Our physio Phil Ward suspected I had it and I went to the clinic where it was confirmed as Gilmore's Groin.

'It's really common in footballers and I will need an operation. They said they could operate as soon as possible but I'm going to wait.

'If I had it done now that's me done till next season. I'd rather delay the surgery and give myself every chance of contributing in some way between now and then. I've been able to manage my groin problem taking painkillers but I felt something go pop against Chasetown and for five or six days after I couldn't walk.

'I can jog at three-quarters now and I wasn't a million miles off against Stamford. Hopefully, with even more rest, I'm confident that I'll be back for the game at Halesowen.'

Bunting, who joined Lynn in the summer and has made 38 appearances this term, should be fit for pre-season once he has had surgery on the problem.

The condition is named after Jerry Gilmore, the London surgeon who first recognised this syndrome in 1980. It is known as a sports hernia, but is called Gilmore's Groin because, strictly speaking, there is no true herniation.

'I'm there as an extra body to motivate the lads,' said Bunting, who will watch today's game from the dugout.

'I haven't had to say much with the run we've been on. Monday's loss at Stamford was far from a disaster. If we win today, and Coalville lose, we go top and the table will look completely different again.'