Everton defender Phil Jagielka has had a successful knee operation as he fights to be fit for next season.

The 26-year-old England international ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the defeat against Manchester City on Saturday.

It ended his hopes of a Cup final appearance at Wembley on 30 May.

Everton’s head physio Mick Rathbone said: "The surgeon is absolutely delighted and the player’s rehab can start more or less straight away."

Rathbone travelled to London with Jagielka and observed the operation on Wednesday.

"It went really, really well," he added. "We never put a timescale on this type of thing but we’re looking forward to having him back as soon as possible next season."

Jagielka has been a key player for Everton and made his first England start in February in the 2-0 friendly defeat by Spain in Seville.

The former Sheffield United defender scored the winning penalty against Manchester United, which booked Everton’s place in the final against Chelsea at Wembley.

606: DEBATE Give your reaction to Jagielka’s injury

He was expected to delay the surgery for 10 days until the swelling from the injury had subsided.

The Toffees are determined to get their man back in action as soon as possible, however, after their place in the inaugural Europa Cup was confirmed for next season when Cup final opponents Chelsea guaranteed their own place in the Champions League.

Jagielka admitted that he "cried and cried and cried" when he realised that the greatest moment of his club career had been taken away.

He has received great support from club-mate Mikel Arteta who suffered a similar injury earlier in the season which has also ended his campaign.

Jagielka added: "Arteta was there at Wembley for our semi-final win over United to see us get through, but he was obviously gutted that he wouldn’t be there in the team for the final.

"Now I’m in the same boat, so it’s nice that I’ve got someone going through a similar situation. He is obviously a month or two ahead of me (with his rehabilitation) so he can help me and guide me along the way when I’m feeling down."

Immediately after Jagielka suffered his injury, Rathbone said: "He is a tough guy, he will get on with it all and he will hopefully be back as good as new as near as possible to the start of next season."

Manager David Moyes has had to contend with a number of serious injuries to several key players this season.

Midfielder Arteta suffered his cruciate knee ligament injury in February, striker Yakubu ruptured his Achilles tendon in November and forward Victor Anichebe was ruled out of the season because of a knee cartilage problem in March.

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