BARRY NICHOLSON was set to have a double hernia operation at Ross Hall Hospital in Glasgow yesterday.

The Dunfermline midfielder’s groin problem means he will miss out on helping his team fight relegation during the closing stages of the season.

Despite the player having a year left on his contract, former Pars boss Jimmy Calderwood is keen to lure him to Aberdeen.

Nicholson (26) is reported to have said his injury status could speed up his current contract talks.

However, Dunfermline director of football Jim Leishman said there had been no advance towards settling a deal with the player.

He said, “I’ve spoken to Barry and his agent and the position last week was that it would wait until the end of the season. There’s been no change on that front.”

Meanwhile, Dunfermline have offered reserve defender Iain Campbell a deal to stay at the club.

The 19-year-old, who has been with the Pars’ youth teams since he was just 13, made his first team debut last year at Easter Road.

Leishman added, “We’ve spoken to him and offered him something but we’ve not discussed the length of contract yet.”