NOTTINGHAM Rugby back rower Phil Eggleshaw has undergone a shoulder operation.

The 23-year-old (pictured) went under the knife to address a cartilage tear, and will be out for up to four months. He is expected to recover in time to play some part in the Green and Whites' 2012/13 RFU Championship campaign.

Club doctors decided that surgery was required after Eggleshaw aggravated the injury in pre-season, having monitored the problem for most of last season.

Eggleshaw hasn't featured in a competitive match this term, last taking the field for the Green and Whites in their final pre-season fixture against Premiership neighbours Leicester.

The Nottingham-born and raised athlete is keen to see as much action as possible in the New Year, but knows not to hurry his rehabilitation.

"It's frustrating missing any amount of rugby, but this is something I have to deal with and I'm determined to get myself fit and ready to play this season," Eggleshaw said.

"It's been a problem for a while, but one that I've managed to play with and I didn't worry myself with it too much until it got to the point that it was too painful play with.

"Time is needed to come back from this, and it's not something I want to rush and risk complications or further damage."