Last updated on .From the section Football

Southern has made 16 appearances for Blackpool this season, scoring once

Blackpool midfielder Keith Southern is recovering after having a tumour removed from one of his testicles.

The 30-year-old, who is expected to be out for up to six weeks, had an operation last Wednesday and is now waiting for results of the biopsy.

"We spoke to Keith on Friday morning and he is in good spirits," said Seasiders manager Ian Holloway.

"It is typical that he was talking about returning to training. He wants to be back sooner rather than later."

Southern is Blackpool's longest-serving player after joining permanently from Everton following a three-month loan spell in November 2002.

Holloway added: "He has asked for his privacy to be respected and I am sure each and every supporter wishes him a speedy recovery."