Healy breaks leg again

Colin Healy has suffered the devastating blow of breaking his leg again.

Sunderland midfielder Colin Healy has suffered the devastating blow of breaking his leg for the second time in the space of only nine months.

The Republic of Ireland international initially sustained an horrific break during a live Sky clash with Coventry City on December 8, a team where he had spent time on loan.

Youssef Safri was the other man involved in the challenge although Healy later absolved the Moroccan, now with Norwich City, of any blame.

After only a week back in training with Mick McCarthy's promotion chasers, the former Celtic man has suffered a double break in the same place as the original injury and there must be fears for his future.

"I'm absolutely as sick as I could be for Colin and, of course, we'll do whatever it takes to help him through this," McCarthy told Sunderland's official website.

The 25-year-old has not really had a chance to get his career going south of the border following the move from Parkhead, but McCarthy will be determined to help support the player in a second bid to return to fitness.

The Black Cats suffered a 1-0 defeat at Sheffield United in midweek, but have manoeuvred themselves towards the business end of The Championship.