I had to take it knee-sy

May 18 2008 By Gordon Waddell

SEAN O'CONNOR reckons nine out of 10 gaffers would run a mile from his "glass knee".

But last night he thanked Queens boss Gordon Chisholm for the regime that will see him rack up his 40th game of the season at Hampden.

The 26-year-old striker believes fears over his knee, ravaged by injury, has stopped him stepping up to the big time.

O'Connor said: "I only train with the boys twice a week, sometimes three times, and the rest of the time I'm in the gym.

"The last couple of weeks have been hard because I've wanted to join in more in the build-up but the gaffer said no.

"It has worked brilliantly - I've played 39 games this season.

I'd have been grateful for 25.

"Nine times out of 10 bosses would want you training every day but Gordon is happy as long as I'm fit and playing well. It is just wear and tear after serious damage to the right knee a couple of years ago but most gaffers run a mile because of it.

"The boys say I have a glass knee. But I've still played more than any of them this season."

O'Connor is lapping up the biggest game in Queens' history despite a four-week break.

He said: "It is a bit surreal because our season has finished but the build-up is fantastic.

"Beating Aberdeen in the semi is the greatest day I've had and I can't wait for the final."