Carney, 27, has made 11 appearances for the Tangerines this term but his season could be ended prematurely with the club battling to avoid the drop.

Blackpool's official Twitter account wrote: “David Carney will need a shoulder operation, which could rule the Australian out for the rest of the season.”

The ex-Sydney FC man has had shoulder problems in the past including a scare at the 2011 Asian Cup after missing most of last season at FC Twente due to the injury.

Blackpool are currently 17th in the Premier League, one point out of the drop zone with six games to play.