IAN Cottrill has admitted his relief at finally discovering the cause of his knee problem which caused it to seize up after the Tiverton Town match recently.

But it came at a cost as the Worcester City player paid out more than £2,000 for the operation at Little Aston Hospital in Sutton Coldfield.

Hopefully Cottrill's loyalty to the St George's Lane club will be rewarded with a lucrative testimonial against Dave Jones' Wolverhampton Wand-erers at a date yet to be fixed.

Cottrill has been plagued by his troublesome knee since the end of last season and despite a cortisone injection and a run of games has been unable to shake the injury off and he has not played since the Tiverton game.

The specialist decided to operate and a cancellation allowed Cottrill to go under the knife last Saturday. Surgeons found a build up scar tissue on the patella tendon which was causing the problem.

"I'm glad they've found out exactly what was causing the pain and although it is disappointing to be out at least I know I'll be back fully fit," said Cottrill.

"Obviously it's disappointing to miss out on the FA Cup but it gives others a chance and I firmly believe things happen for a reason so hopefully I can get myself fit and who knows what could lie in store."

Cottrill, who has been one of City's more impressive performers, admits they have underachieved this season but hopes they can still turn their fortunes around.

"We've got four players out long term but the lads all feel that we have underachieved this season and I think that is fair comment," he said.

"Hopefully we can turn that round but it would be nice if we had more fit players. I feel sorry for John because he's never been in the position to pick his strongest side."

The injury to key players has given some of the younger players like Jamie Hyde and Dwaine McFarlane a chance of a run in the first team and Cottrill hopes they make the most of their opportunity.

"Dwaine looks promising and is tremendous in training and although it is disappointing for me to be out at least it gives the younger players a chance to get some experience," he added.