KEYHOLE knee surgery isn’t going to leave Forest Green defender Danny Coles down in the dumps.

Coles,33, will miss the start of the National League season, but remains in a positive mindset ahead of his operation next week.

The former Hull City and Bristol City and Rovers centre-back will go under the knife of renowned surgeon Jonathan Webb –the former England and Bath rugby full-back - at The Nuffield in Clifton Village.

“ My knee doesn’t feel great,” said Coles, who joined Rovers from Exeter City last summer.

“My straight line running is fine, but if I twist and turn, I get a shooting pain down the left-side of my knee.

“My surgeon (Jonathan Webb) is one of the best in the business and fingers crossed the exploratory operation will be a simple tidy up job.”

Coles took part in the pre-season boot camp in Northern Ireland and has continued working in the gym, but has been unable to feature in any pre-season matches.

Bristolian Coles joined the Nailsworth outfit in August 2014 and was an ever-present in the heart of defence until the turn of the year.

He penned a contract extension until the summer of 2016, but lost his place after picking up a thigh strain in January.

During his time on the sidelines he was named player coach in March following the departure of assistant manager Dave Kevan.

He was recalled for the second leg of last season’s play-off semi-final at his former employers Bristol Rovers.