Lawrence to have groin operation

Lawrence was Stoke's joint leading scorer with 15 goals

Stoke City midfielder Liam Lawrence will undergo surgery on Tuesday to cure a long-standing groin problem.

The 26-year-old is still expected to be fit for the start of the Potters summer Premier League preparations.

He told BBC Radio Stoke: "I've had a double hernia that's been bothering me for a year or so now.

"That has caused me some groin problems which is why I had to miss the Crystal Palace game. It's something that really needs sorting."

The former Sunderland man, who finished the season as City's joint leading scorer with 15 goals, says achieving promotion is something that has not sunk in yet.

"I don't think it will until the fixtures come out and we start getting ready for the first game."

Lawrence also said that he feels a good start will be vital if the Potters are to survive in the Premier League next season.

"We need to get something out of the first game, we can't afford to get beat on the first day. That happened when I was at Sunderland and it set a bad tone."