Tim Flowers and the Queen Mum may soon have something in common, a replacement hip!

Flowers admitted that after seeing specialists he was told that when his career is over he will probably need a hip op to correct a long term problem.

The 34 year old ex-England international has been having injury problems for several seasons now and his latest bout has kept him sidelined for most of this year.

Flowers said, The specialists said in their report that I've got hips like Barbara Cartland. Basically I'm 55 and struggling! They found a displacement in my hip which means that I've got bone grating on bone. I just have to get on with it."

There was some better news from Tim though as he went on to confirm that he is definitely available for selection, bar any unfortunate accidents, for Sunday's game against Charlton by saying, "Simon's done a great job but I'm an option for the gaffer."

Whether or not Taylor sticks to his word and puts Tim Flowers in goal this Sunday remains to be seen though with Royce providing excellent cover while Tim has been sidelined.