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Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given's stomach injury suffered on Sunday had doctors fearing for the Irishman's life, it has been revealed.
Medical sources told the Daily Mail the goalkeeper's injury, a perforated bowel, had never been seen on a footballer and was usually associated only with car crash victims.
It's reported Given had a second operation because of further complications resulting from his collision with Marlon Harewood.
Without the surgery, there were fears that Given's health could have seriously deteriorated.
He woke yesterday morning in the intensive care unit at King George's Hospital in east London and the decision was taken to perform the second operation.
McDonald said: "In the dressing room after the game, Shay developed acute abdominal pain and it became clear he might have a surgical problem.
"As a result, he was admitted to a local hospital for investigation. Following those investigations, he was found to have a small perforation of his small bowel. He underwent surgery to repair this and that was successful.
"He is comfortable in hospital and he will be discharged in around five days."