GEELONG speedster Travis Varcoe will be on a restricted training program for three months after having surgery to repair the shoulder injury he suffered during the recent International Rules Series in Ireland.

The 22-year-old was hurt in the Australian team's opening practice match in Cork. His Geelong teammate David Wojcinski also rolled his ankle in the same game.

Both players missed the first Test in Limerick, but they returned for the second Test in Dublin and were solid contributors.

Varcoe, who has a history of shoulder problems, had to pass a fitness test a day ahead of the clash before he was allowed to play.

He and Wojcinski recently returned home and were assessed by the Cats' medical staff.

Scans subsequently revealed Varcoe's injury was worse than first thought and he went under the knife on Monday.

"Varcoe's not all that good," Geelong football manager Neil Balme told afl.com.au.

"He's got a bit of a shoulder problem. It was reported over there but hasn't had much coverage over here."

Despite his setback, Varcoe is expected to be fit for round one of the 2011 home and away season.

However, there is better news for two of the Cats' best young players.

Highly-rated forward Mitch Brown, who broke his leg in 2009 then dislocated his shoulder this year, is set to light up the training track when the full squad comes together on Thursday, November 18.

"We're certainly very hopeful that he'll be able to get a full pre-season in and give himself a chance of playing senior footy in 2011," Balme said.

"He's looking pretty good.

"There are a few others who had some injury problems last year - Steven Motlop for example. It will be interesting to see how he copes with the training load."

Key defender Marcus Drum, who has hardly played at any level since joining the club from Fremantle, is another player hoping for a change of luck.

Drum was crippled by injuries and illness during the recent season, with his ailments including a broken nose, a detached retina and an irregular heartbeat, along with achilles, ankle and hamstring problems.

"We're hoping he can get on board and do a fair bit of work," Balme said.

"Pre-season is a good opportunity for him, because we're hoping to get a fair bit out of him. We hope he can do some work and give himself a real chance next year."