In The News is the section of nufc.co.uk where we keep you up-to-date with any stories involving former Newcastle United players or managers over the summer ...

FORMER Newcastle United midfielder Darren Ambrose could miss the start of next season after an operation to cure a longstanding groin injury.

The Charlton Athletic star went under the knife in a bid to correct a problem which has dogged him for three years and is expected to be out for up to three months.

Ambrose told Charlton's official website: "I've had a groin problem for about three years now but it's only since Steve Allen came in as the club's physio that we got to the root of the problem as he found out the pain in my groin was all stemming from my hip.

"All the symptoms I've had show that the hip problem was causing injuries in my groin. So it was best I had the operation.

"I've been fairly lucky with injuries over the years. This is the first operation I've had. All my other injuries have basically been my groin. Now if I can get this cleared up, hopefully I'll be OK for years to come. Groins are horrible things to deal with and hopefully this has cured it."

Ambrose scored six goals for the Magpies in 56 appearances having joined from Ipswich Town in 2003.

He then moved to The Addicks in 2005 and has netted 16 times from 105 outings.