ALTON THELWELL has undergone surgery on his knee in a bid to clear up a long-standing injury problem.

The former Tottenham Hotspur defender, 27, has suffered with the knee problem for the majority of this season, but he has nevertheless started 31 games for the east Londoners.

He was due to have the operation after the season has ended, but with Orient's play-off challenge fading, the decision was taken to get the problem solved immediately.

O's boss Martin Ling said: "Alton's had an arthroscopy on his knee today, which has allowed a clean-up of the joint.

"He's had the operation now to give him three extra weeks to recover ahead of pre-season and we expect him to be ready for the start of that programme."