SOUTHEND Rugby Club’s centre Sonny Gay has undergone another operation on his shoulder in a bid to finally cure his long-term injury.

The 23-year-old from Thurrock has played just five games in the past two seasons due to his fitness concerns.

And he hopes the latest surgery on his shoulder will enable him to be back in action in time for next season.

“This has been the most frustrating thing for me ever and I’ve virtually spent three seasons on the sidelines,” said Gay.

“Having to keep on watching the games is just the worst thing for me because I want to be out there with the rest of the team helping them.

“I’ve already had one operation on it which I hoped would cure everything, only for the shoulder to go again after just one game.

“I’m just hoping it will be different this time and, fingers crossed, if everything goes well I should be back for the beginning of next season.”

Gay returned from injury to start against Cambridge in early November.

But he suffered another shoulder injury during the 25-10 defeat and has already been ruled out for the remainder of the season.