Michael Doyle is set to miss the start of the 2008/09 season with a hernia problem which could rule him out for up to four months.

The industrious midfielder went in for a scheduled operation where it was discovered that the injury was worse than first thought.

The 26-year-old played through the pain barrier in the final few weeks of the 07/08 campaign, delaying the operation to help the Sky Blues secure safety in the Championship.

But Chris Coleman revealed that the injury was aggravated and said that the Irishman - who made 49 appearances last term, more than any other City player, scoring seven goals - will miss pre-season and most likely the start of the new campaign.

"Unfortunately he is going to be out for four months and will miss the start of the season," said the City boss.

"Because he played on it appears to have aggravated the injury and done more damage. He carried on playing to help us through a difficult time and it's a great shame he will not be fit for the start of the new campaign."

Coleman added: "He's a very fit lad whose physical capacity is very good. He has a great engine and I imagine he'll be back as quickly as he possibly can be."