GARY Oliver believes his rehab is going well as he nurses himself back from a knee injury — but says it’s going to take him a bit of time to build up enough confidence to take any more hefty tackles.

Oliver was crocked against Queen of the South earlier this month after a shocking challenge from Chris Higgins in the first half of the 3-0 defeat away in Dumfries.

And the striker admits that whilst he’s looking forward to getting back on the pitch, he is slightly nervous about his return.

He told the Tele: “Last week I was struggling to walk but this week I’m jogging, hopping and getting stronger at the gym with squats and things. Just getting back to normal.

“I’m a bit wary about hitting a ball, but I’m sure in a week or two I’ll be back in training as usual.

“I need to build up my confidence, I’ll probably play a few reserve games before I go back into the first team, so I’ll need to ease myself back in. I’ll be a wee bit wary of tackles as well, but I’ll need to get it strong again.

“It’s not one that you can play through. 

“It’s a bad injury and I don’t want to come back too early and do it again — so I need to make sure it’s right before I come back in.”

Oliver insists though that he’s chomping at the bit to get back into action for Morton because it’s disheartening to see his team-mates playing every week when he wishes it was him. 

He concluded: “There aren’t too many games left so I need to try and get back as soon as possible to help the team try and make it into the play-offs.

“It’s been a bit gutting going to the games and seeing all the boys play. 

“I do wish it was me. But it’s one of these things you can get during your career in football and I need to take it on the chin.”