Shane Duffy is looking to the future just a week after coming within seconds of losing his life.
Toffees youngster thankful to be alive
Shane Duffy is looking to the future just a week after coming within seconds of losing his life.
The 18-year-old came close to death after suffering a freak injury during a Republic of Ireland training session.
A seemingly innocuous collision with team-mate Adrian Walsh saw around 3.5 litres of blood leak into Duffy's abdomen from a ruptured hepatic artery.
Much more and the accident may have proven fatal, with the swift response of the medical team on hand helping to save his life.
Duffy, who is on the books at Everton, knows how fortunate he is to still be alive and is hoping the future will be bright after doctors confirmed he will be able to continue with his career.
"This time last week, I thought I wouldn't be here, so I have to realise I am here and I have to look at the bigger picture," he said.
"I am just here to thank all the medical staff who saved my life. [Surgeon] Gerry McEntee, [Ireland team doctor] Alan Byrne and [Ireland team surgeon Professor] John O'Byrne saved my life.
Scary
"I just want to thank everyone in this hospital for everything they have done. They saved my life.
"This time last week, I was in there having an operation and it was a scary time. I just have to thank everyone.
"It's been a crazy time, a crazy week."
On the incident itself, Duffy added: "I really didn't know what had happened, it was a blur. I woke up on Friday night with the operation done, but my mum and dad were telling me that I had nearly died last night. It was crazy.
"But everyone in there was top-class, and I can't thank the FAI enough, the nurses and the staff.
"Alan and John were the first two to get to me and realise how serious it was.
"I am so happy to be alive now."
