Nottingham hooker Ollie Taylor will undergo surgery on a broken foot next week.

The 21-year-old (pictured) re-fractured his left foot during training earlier this month and will need a metal rod inserted. There is no time scale on Taylor's return, but Nottingham head coach Martin Haag is eager to see the hooker feature again for this season.

"I'm disappointed for him because he just came back from that same injury. If all goes well he will come back fighting fit and will have some part to play later in the season," Haag said.

Taylor first broke his foot playing for New Zealand side Linwood in the powerful Canterbury Metropolitan competition where he spent the English off-season.

After making two appearances for the Green and Whites in the British and Irish Cup in October the hooker was loaned out to National Two side Leicester Lions.

Taylor was preparing for a recall to the Championship club when an innocuous side-step during training in the first week of the New Year derailed his immediate hopes of suiting up for the Green and Whites.

"It is really frustrating to be out right now, but there is nothing I can do about it," Taylor said.

"Instead, I'll get on with it and use this time wisely to build myself up and keep my fitness so I can comeback stronger.

"I was building up to 80 minutes every week and I got my first couple of starts with the Lions. I was going well, getting my match fitness up and training well with Nottingham at the same time while waiting for a chance to get back into the side."

Taylor vows to make the most of the latest setback, returning to the weights room to work under fitness and conditioning coach Jo Brun.

While a moon boot might slow him down, Taylor is focused on a quick recovery.

"After the operation I'll have a better idea of when I'll be back, but I'm definitely trying to get back for the end of the season," Taylor said.