thanks for the reply again...

During the rehabilition at the physio, i didn't wear any form of brace. I ran, hopped, jumped and turned without it. I decided to wear it during the kickabout more as a mental booster. I think what i plan to do is as you say - build up the rotary control, and muscles without the brace. Whilst kicking a ball about, i think i'll stick with it for now and gradually do more and more without it as my knee feels stronger and i feel more confident.

A friend of mine has spoken to me about plyometric excericises although he's not a qualified physio (yet!). He beleives jumping up stairs and jumping over and back over an object sideways are good excercises. Is he correct?

Thanks again for the help