next week to remove what doctors believe may be a cancerous tumour contained in one of his kidneys.

Parfitt, revered for his prowess at taking wickets using a deadly leg-cutter, yesterday confirmed that he would indeed be going `under the knife' next Monday, after having the original date for the procedure -- Tuesday -- postponed due to a snowstorm that hampered doctors getting to the hospital.

"I have to get one of my kidneys out,'' confirmed Parfitt, long the nemesis of Somerset batsmen during a sterling Cup Match career that saw him seize a record 115 wickets and return best ever figures of 9-47 in 1976. "I should be okay once I get it out, then they'll have to do some more tests to check whether everything else is okay. I'm feeling fine, it's just that they discovered this problem and they want to take it out.'' Parfitt has lived in Arbroath, Scotland for several years, first going over as a professional player for Arbroath Cricket Club, where he performed at a premier level for several years, before moving into coaching. He is now development officer for the north for the Scottish Cricket Union, a position he took up some two years ago.

However, he noted that the current health issue would not adversely affect his ability to continue in the role, as he should be back on track and able to do all of his normal duties within a few months following a convalescing period.

"It won't affect my role in any way,'' Parfitt explained. "I'll be off from work for a couple of months and then be back.

"The job is going great and I had been busy, it's just been this week that I've been off to prepare for the operation.'' Parfitt had been feeling a bit of discomfort, and when he started to pass blood when urinating he made the move to seek medical attention.

It was then discovered that he had a form of growth within a kidney and doctors then recommended removal of the organ.

"I was feeling some discomfort and was passing blood, so I got myself checked out to find out what was causing it and they found that the problem was with my kidney and now the thing is to take it out,'' he said.

"They think it may be cancer, but they have to test it more before they can really say whether it is or isn't.'' Parfitt was keen not to have too much alarm raised in his homeland, and he added: "Just tell everybody I'm okay and feeling great!'' Clarence Parfitt: faces operation next Monday.