Dean Hammond is going through the pain barrier to continue leading Albion's League One campaign.

The captain courageous has been playing since before Christmas with a double hernia, the club have revealed.

He faces surgery to repair the damage but that will not happen until the summer or once the mid-table Seagulls are safe from the drop.

Physio Malcolm Stuart said: "He has got to have an operation. We've had him seen already and had it confirmed. He has got a double hernia. He's had it since before Christmas and we are nursing him through it.

"The trouble with it is you can sometimes go through a game without feeling it and another time it is there from the start but he is a game lad. He never puts his hand up to say he is struggling."

Hammond, who has scored 11 goals from midfield, was rested from Monday training as Albion prepare for Saturday's visit by table-topping Scunthorpe.

Manager Dean Wilkins said: "He is going to continue. We are just trying to give him a bit of time off to recover, because a day off seems to make a difference."

Wilkins wants Hammond to undergo surgery as soon as Albion's survival is assured to give him the maximum possible recovery period through the summer.

East Stand prices for the Scunthorpe showdown have been slashed to £15 for adults, £11 students, £9 OAP's and £8 juniors to celebrate Red Nose Day. Albion are donating £2 per ticket to Comic Relief.

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