United defender Ben Parker is putting no fixed target in his mind for a return to action after undergoing hip surgery.

The youngster hasn't featured since the opening day of the season and is now recovering from a hip operation.

"Without being too complicated, there were several tears which were quite serious," Ben told Yorkshire Radio. 

"It was getting to the stage where if I didn't have it done it would have been a lot worse, and at 22 I don't want that!

"I'm glad I've had it done and got it sorted."

With the operation behind him, Ben is working closely with head physio Harvey Sharman and his team as he mounts his recovery bid.

"I was given a programme by the surgeon and I'm sticking to that," he explained.

"I am bang on schedule from what I can gather, but I haven't put a time on it.

"I'd like to think if I'm back around Christmas I will be happy, but it might take longer than that so mentally I'm prepared for anything.

"As long as Harvey and the physio department are happy, I'll be happy."

It has been difficult time for Ben, who is enduring his longest ever lay-off with injury. With the team doing well, it has made for a pleasant environment at Thorp Arch, and Ben is determined not to let his frustrations show.

"I've seen some people who've been injured for a while who don't want to talk to you because they are in such a bad mood," he added.

"I've not been like that. If I have a smile on my face I hope it will rub off other people. I'm not a doom and gloom person."

You can hear more from Ben Parker on his regular Yorkshire Radio blog...