INJURED Scunthorpe United midfielder Michael O'Connor believes he still has a big part to play in his side's destiny this season.

Currently sidelined with a knee problem, the frustrated Northern Ireland international has pencilled in the home clash with Swansea, on March 5, as a potential return date.

But he may find it hard work getting back into the side, with United hoping to capitalise on a 1-0 win over promotion- chasing Nottingham Forest at Glanford Park last night.

"I still believe I can have a big part to play in the Championship this season for Scunthorpe," declared the 23-year-old.

"I want to be the one who comes back and helps the team to score the goals.

"The next week or so is the biggest of the season for us – and it is so frustrating not to be able to be involved.

"The next four games are ones we need to win against teams in the bottom eight.

"They are all big six-pointers at this time of the season."

Derby County travel to Glanford Park on Saturday, with Sheffield United making the same trip the following Tuesday.

United are then on the road, at Bristol City and Portsmouth.

Those are four fixtures O'Connor expects to miss as he continues his comeback from knee ligament trouble.

And the midfielder admitted it has been a month of total frustration.

"It was so disappointing to pick up the injury on the training ground," he confessed.

"It was frustrating because I had played in just about every game before then.

"But it's not the first time I have been sidelined.

"I have had a double hernia, and four years ago at Crewe I had a more serious knee problem than this that kept me out for nearly three months.

"Some players don't mind being injured – but I'm not one of them.

"I want to be out there playing as soon as possible.

"I am quite pleased with the progress I am making.

"If all goes well, I hope to be ready to return to full training a week on Monday."