PRESTON North End's Deepdale Duck has fallen victim to the NHS's long waiting lists - he's been hanging on for a knee operation for nearly a year!

And for the Duck, alias Preston North End community officer Simon Nash, the injury wasn't caused because he got too big for his boots. It was more like the boots were too big for him!

Simon, dressed in his full clobber, damaged his knee ligaments while entertaining the crowd during last season's Deepdale derby at Blackpool.

He was offered an operation six months after the damage first came to light, but it clashed with the birth of his youngest daughter. Now, a year after the accident, he is still waiting. He said: "The injury happened while we have having a kiddies penalty shoot out at half time during the game. I went to catch a ball but because my boots are so big, I fell further than expected and that's how it happened!

"I was offered an operation but it clashed with when my daughter was due to be born, and I couldn't risk missing the birth."

He added: "I wouldn't dare kick a ball with my left foot now and I am always a bit more careful when I go out on the field. I suppose you could say my wings have been clipped a bit because of the wait."

Simon recently collected a groin injury while celebrating a goal with the North End players. He is still carrying on with his duties on and off the pitch.

His groin strain has been treated by club physiotherapist Mick Rathbone but he needs to go under the surgeon's knife to sort out the knee.

But he added: "It does hurt a lot and either injury could flare up at any time. The last thing I want is to miss a game."

A spokesman for the Royal Preston Hospital said individual cases could not be discussed.

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