Patrick Brough will have an operation this summer to clear up a long-standing knee issue, Barrow AFC boss Phil Brown says.

The defender has been managing the problem for some time and the procedure in the close season will hopefully resolve the situation.

Brough has played through the issue this season and the Cumbrian has chalked up 49 appearances ahead of AFC’s last outing against Northampton Town.

Brown is weighing up whether to involve the 26-year-old one last time ahead of the attention he will receive in the summer.

“Patrick is facing an operation in the close season, and probably the sooner we get that done the better, and it will give him the chance of having a better season next year,” manager Brown said of the Silloth star.

“He’s got a little bit of a clean-up that’s required in his knee.

“It’s one of those where he has been wrapped in cotton wool regarding my time at the club – he hasn’t been able to go 100 per cent for me or for himself.

“I suppose with that in mind, I haven’t seen the best of Patrick Brough and probably won’t unless I’m at the club next year and he’s at the club next year.

“That’s something to look forward to. He’ll probably be a doubt for Saturday – it’s not something I’m doing to take a chance with if it’s 50-50 with him.”

Brown said defender Connor Brown is also touch and go to be involved against the Cobblers, but striker Aaron Amadi-Holloway has a chance of returning.

On Brown, the manager said: “Connor has been wrapped up in cotton wool all week, which I suppose is a direct result of the way his season’s gone – he’s had loads of niggly little injuries, but the latter being a hernia, and I came in on the back of that.

“We’ve got a tune out of Connor. I like what I see in terms of his attitude, but his fitness levels certainly need to improve, and that will improve with a pre-season I dare say.”

Loan frontman Amadi-Holloway, who missed the defeats at Exeter City and Swindon Town, could return for his final Bluebirds appearance this weekend.

“He had a scan on Tuesday and it’s come back very positive,” Brown said.

“With a bit of luck, if he comes through training there’s every chance he might start on Saturday. Whether he’ll get 90 minutes in I don’t know.”