"It's been niggling away for a little while and we realised that we had reached the point where something had to be done. It's been a stop-start season for me, what with my debut being delayed because of my ankle problem and now this. But it's better it gets sorted out now.
"I'm disappointed, gutted in fact, because everyone knows how much I love playing football - not only for United but my country as well. England is very important to me and I wanted to help us make a good start to the qualifying campaign and get the World Cup out of our system. But I'm sure the lads will do the business in my absence. I'll be watching on television cheering them all the way."