Jamie McCombe has spoken for the first time since his broken cheekbone injury and told fans via bcfc.co.uk: "I'm feeling fine."

The big defender went under the knife last week as surgeons fixed the cheekbone, which shattered in three places following the collision with Claude Davis in the 1-1 draw with Derby on August 16th.

Jamie now has an expected six-week wait before he can return to action, but today he sat down for an exclusive chat with the club's official website.

"I'm battered and bruised, but I'm feeling fine," he told bcfc.co.uk. "I had the surgery last Thursday and the surgeon says everything went well. I've got to meet with him again in a few days for a post-operation check up but all being well I should be back in six weeks.

"They've put a metal plate in my face, which will remain there, and I've lost most of the feeling from my top teeth and lip up to my eye-line. That feeling can take up to 18 months to return."

Jamie watched Bristol City World footage of the incident today - the first time he had viewed the collision with Davis since it happened.

He said: "I'm not sure why I put my head down there. I can see myself waving my arms and telling (Michael) McIndoe that my cheek had broken. I knew straight away that something wasn't right.

"When I got into the treatment room I rang my mum and my girlfriend as I knew they would be watching it on television and worrying. I told them not to rush down to Bristol, but my mum did anyway!

"I'm on painkillers and antibiotics now and I just have to rest. Luckily the Olympics has been on to give me something to watch, otherwise it would be Richard and Judy or the like."

Bradley Orr suffered a similar injury in City's play-off final defeat to Hull in May, and Jamie has been gaining advice from his defensive colleague.

He said: "I spoke to Brad before having surgery and he's been really good. Obviously Brad had the summer break to recover and was ready again for pre-season, whereas I have to sit out lots of games.

"It's so disappointing because I struggled with my shins early on last season and missed games, so I wanted to get off to a good start this time around.

"If there is a good point, at least it's an injury to my face rather than my legs or feet. It's not career-threatening or anything like that and I'll be back soon.

"At least the lads are winning in my absence and if we're at the top of the table over the next few weeks then it will certainly speed up my recovery."