Beesley joined the U's from Forest Green in January 2008

Cambridge United striker Mark Beesley has been ruled out for the season after undergoing hip surgery on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old has said he was keen to play on despite his problem, but was persuaded otherwise by the club.

He told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: "I was talked out of playing on by [U's physio] Greg Reid, he knows more than me and is better qualified than me.

"I went to see a specialist, and the management and the board were both wanted me to have the operation."

Beesley had been struggling with a hip problem since before Christmas, but was managing to hold down a regular starting place within the U's side.

"It's been ongoing for two or three months now and I've been managing it," he said.

"I'm ruled out until the end of the season, ideally I wanted to try and postpone it, but at least I'll be fine for pre-season now."

The U's have moved quickly to replace Beesley, with former Weymouth striker Lee Phillips arriving on a deal until the end of the season.

Beesley admits he is frustrated to be missing out on the end of season run-in.

"We're in a good position and fingers crossed things will go well between now and May so it's a real frustration to be out," he said.

"Any player would want to be involved, there are big stakes on every game and I'm not great at watching at the best of times."

Beesley joined the U's from Forest Green for an undisclosed fee in January 2008.

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