SEAN O'Hanlon will go under the knife in the next few days but is basking in the knowledge that Dennis Wise has no desire to cut him out of his Town plans.

The County Ground skipper has had a scan on a nagging knee problem and although it has shown up nothing more than the wear and tear anticipated, he is still anxious to have the joint cleared out.

It was an injury that he was able to play through for the bulk of last season but he wants it dealt with now to avoid problems further down the line.

O'Hanlon, said: "I've had a scan and now it's a question of getting the operation done as quickly as possible.

"The longer it's left then the bigger the danger of it eating into pre-season and I don't want that.

"It's not something that's going to get any worse but you obviously don't want any discomfort as a player."

Trying to secure your footballing future can be another uncomfortable process but the former Everton man is delighted that his initial fears about a change of management have proved unfounded.

It is clear that one of new boss Wise's first telephone calls after taking the job was to O'Hanlon.

The defender, third in the player of the year stakes last season, said: "You don't generally expect someone to say there's Dennis on the phone for you'.

"Obviously it was Iffy Onuora who made the initial contract offer and there is a slight worry that things could change and you might not figure in the new manager's plans.

"So to have him on the phone was a great compliment, as was hearing he wanted me to stay.

"Obviously there has been a lot of publicity surrounding it all and hopefully Swindon will be a team to be feared next season."

So while Wise clearly wants O'Hanlon to stay, the question is will he?

The willingness is certainly there.

O'Hanlon's representatives have seen a copy of the three-year contract, made several points regarding its content and are now awaiting a response from the club.

Chief executive Mark Devlin has already said he hopes matters can be wrapped up in the next week or so.