Reading have decided to send winger Bobby Convey to America for another round of knee repairs, meaning his debut Premiership campaign is effectively finished.

With the Royals now more concerned with clinching a place in Europe than surviving their inaugural top flight, the medical staff opted to give the Yank time to finally beat a lingering World Cup 2006 injury.

Convey had an operation on the knee in December, but doctors will use a slightly different procedure this time in order to promote proper healing.

"We're not expecting him to play the rest of the season," Reading press officer Andy West told YA. "We're making arrangements for the surgery, and he'll head back to the States."

The Madejski crew, who are currently holding down a UEFA Cup slot in the standings, are optimistic Convey will be 100% fit for the 2007/08 preseason.

"Obviously, the team looks safe from worrying about relegation," said West. "He could play if it was absolutely necessary, but we thought it was the right time to get this injury cleared up."

Convey, who appeared for the Royals in last weekend's FA Cup draw at Manchester United, notched three assists in eight Premiership outings this season.

He also went 90 minutes for the US in a February 7th friendly win over Mexico, but is now in heavy doubt for either CONCACAF Gold Cup or Copa America duty this summer.