By Paul Holmes
August 1 2002

Millwall defender Joe Dolan has recieved another set-back to his plans to return to full fitness. The talented 22-year-old was tipped for big things after breaking into the Millwall side but has suffered a terrible 18 months, first with a double fracture to his left leg and then just days after returning to training damaging his knee ligaments.

Dolan has now learnt that he will need another operation to remove a metal plate from his leg. The operation is expected to keep Dolan out of action for another 3 months.

Millwall boss Mark McGhee explained the situation to the clubs official site. "This was one of those situations where I always felt it was going to be optimistic for Joe to get back to his very best without having the plate removed.

"The fact is that he will now have it removed in an operation, and that will probably keep him out for 10-12 weeks.

"It is a straightforward operation. Joe is in very good physical shape already and that will stand him in good stead afterwards.

"As much as it is a setback for him, it is something that we did really expect, so it isn't a massive surprise.

"Joe had obviously hoped to get back to his best without it being removed, but he realised over pre-season that it was not going to be the case.

"He is a great character and is able to be realistic about things, but remain positive and optimistic. He has shown already that he's a good player and a great athlete - and with his tremendous character he'll come back, don't worry about that."