Heggem doubt over future

The 26-year-old has been forced to go under the knife due to his persistent thigh injury that has kept him out of first team action since October 2000 but it is not guaranteed to solve his injury problems.

Heggem could have played at a lower standard of football without an operation, but even with one he may not be able to get back to the level needed to play in The Premiership meaning his days at Liverpool could be over.

Reds boss Gerard Houllier has been patient with the former Rosenborg star, but his contract at Anfield expires next summer and that could signal the end of his spell on Merseyside if he cannot regain his fitness.

The player himself has already said that he is preparing himself for a career outside football should the worst come to the worst.

"I must prepare myself for doing other things from this summer and further on," said Heggem.

Heggem has been linked with a return to Trondheim with Rosenborg, but it now seems that his days at Anfield could be numbered.