Billy Clarke is having surgery on his damage knee sustained in the FA Youth Cup Semi-Final win at Tottenham.

The 17-year-old striker sustained medial ligament damage in the closing minutes of the 2-1 second-leg triumph at White Hart Lane, an injury that kept him out of the Final and ultimate glory against Southampton.

"I'm having the operation and then it will be a few weeks rest before building up the knee and my fitness during the summer," Billy told the Club website before going into hospital for surgery today.

Billy - Academy Player of the Year

"I was obviously disappointed to miss out on the Youth Cup Final but the lads did great and I was able to join in the celebrations on crutches.

"It's all about next year for me now though and I just want to get back to fitness and playing football again."

Billy signed his first professional contract at Portman Road in December and was handed a first-team squad number.