Wolves striker Andy Keogh has confirmed he will be out until the end of February after undergoing ankle surgery.

The forward is in plaster and will spend his first Christmas in seven years back home in Ireland beginning his rehabilitation.

Boss Mick McCarthy reckons the 23-year-old will be the longest sidelined of his three ankle casualties. The other two are Michael Kightly and Dave Edwards.

The manager said: “Andy is going to be the longest out of the lads with ankle injuries. He’s in plaster at the minute, but he was always going to be longest out because of what he did.”

Keogh was injured in training, landing awkwardly hurdling goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey after scoring.

He admits: “It’s the worst injury I’ve had. I felt something pop out in my ankle and couldn’t put any weight on it. It was the tendon which kept popping out.

“I’ve had an operation. It’s all gone well and now I’m in a cast for a couple of weeks, so will be back to start my rehab after the Manchester City game on December 28.

“We’re hoping I might be back fit again by mid-February. At the latest it should be the end of February, but hopefully the middle.

“In the past I’ve been a quick healer, so touch wood, hopefully I can get back as quickly as possible.”

Keogh admits it’s a refreshing change to have his first family Christmas in Dublin since he was a schoolboy.

But the striker is finding the inactivity frustrating after being injured when he was trying to force his way back into contention.

He said: “It was very frustrating because I was working hard in training trying to get back into the team. So for something to happen when I almost didn’t know it had happened was very frustrating.

“The only positive is I’ve got time with my family over Christmas which hasn’t happened for seven years. I can get my head together at home, come back ready to push on and get my rehab started.

“But the lads have been brilliant supporting me and I wouldn’t expect anything less – it’s the same with everyone.”