Michael Cartmell, 16, was playing right-back for Trimpell Youth FC in a Lancashire FA cup game against Gregorians on Sunday, November 2 when he clashed heads with an opposing player.

The extent of his injury wasn't realised until he returned home to Hest Bank and collapsed.

Michael was taken to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary and then to Preston where he underwent a brain operation before being transferred to a specialist unit at Manchester's Hope Hospital where he remains in a serious condition.

Ripley St Thomas student Michael, who is also one of the district's most promising young tennis players, has received scores of good luck card and website messages from schoolmates, team-mates and members of opposing teams.

Leave a message for Michael by using the 'comment' function on this story.

He has also received a signed card from players from Tottenham Hotspur, of whom Michael and his family are avid supporters.
His dad David, mum Anne and sister Annabelle were this week still staying in Manchester while he undergoes tests.

David said: "It was a clash of heads that happens in lots of games, nothing malicious - Michael told us the other player didn't intend anything, they were just both going for the ball.

"He has shown signs of improvement but is still in a serious condition.
"We would like to thank everyone who has sent messages of support, it really makes a huge difference at times like this.

"You go through life thinking no-one's particularly bothered and then something like this happens and you find out how many people really care.

"On behalf of Michael we'd like to thank everyone who has taken the trouble to wish him well."