Brentford FC utility man John Halls has been ruled out until Christmas after having an operation on a knee injury.

The former Arsenal, Stoke and Reading player has been struggling since the defeat at Chester last month, and missed Saturday's victory at Port Vale.

He had an injection after the FA Cup win at Havant & Waterlooville last week in a bid to cure the problem, but has now gone under the knife.

Bees boss Andy Scott said: "He saw the specialist on Thursday and we made the decision to have the operation done on his knee to tidy up the cartilage.

"He wanted to play last Sunday, but was in agony after the game. It's a big disappointment, but we're hoping he will be back around Christmas or in January."