Triple Major winning Padraig Harrington took his place in the third round of the WGC- Bridgestone Invitational but admitting the injection he took to help with the pain of his injured right knee was only ‘hiding’ the problem.

In contrast to the past three days Harrington was walking ‘normal’ and seemingly not favouring his leg as has been the scenario after revealing he tore ligaments in his knee some two weeks ago playing tennis with his children.

Harrington heads into the final day of the US 9.m event sharing 63rd place with scores of 72, 72 and 74 for a disappointing eight over par tally and in his first Bridgestone backed event since 2011.

“I had an injection in my knee this morning and it’s a combination of yes, hiding the pain but then it’s a pain killer and helps as an anti-inflamatory,” he said.

Padraig Harrington admits he’s hiding the pain of a knee injury in taking an injection. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)

“So I have to treat my knee with respect as though it’s still injured even though it’s not injured.”

Harrington’s been one of the more constant visitors to the on-site physio van and revealing he’s spending upwards of an hour before his tee time for staff to work on his knee while he is doubling that time post round.

In fact, he spent nearly three hours in the van after his second round on Friday.

“I’ve been spending on average two-and-a-half hours a day since Monday,” he admitted

“So when you add it all up it’s a long time and then when you include the time I have been  having ice treatment it’s an awful long time.

“But then I still have to do that even though it is feeling much better.

“The good thing is that I can still hit balls on the range and work on my putting and I feel now after the injection I should be okay for Whistling Straits.

“I couldn’t say that yesterday as I wasn’t even sure I could tee up today but then I managed to get through and now looking forward to a good round tomorrow to take with me to the PGA.”