Healy accepts Safri apology

SUNDERLAND midfielder Colin Healy has accepted an apology over the horrific tackle that broke his leg.

The 23-year-old Republic of Ireland international fractured two bones in his lower leg in a clash with Coventry’s Youssef Safri on December 8.

Manager Mick McCarthy was furious with the challenge and even more incensed that the match officials saw nothing wrong with it.

However, Healy is prepared to forgive and forget as he sets out on the long road back to fitness.

“He (Safri) has apologised and that’s the end of it,” he said. “I prefer to look forward.”

The former Celtic midfielder was back at the Black Cats’ training ground on Thursday for the first time since undergoing surgery to repair the break, and although he faces months of rehabilitation with physio Pete Friar, the messages of goodwill he has received have lifted his spirits.

“It has obviously been a bad time for me and the support has helped me through. I was in a lot of pain in the days after the injury and the well-wishers helped my spirits.

“It’s easy to get down about it, but I’ve been told the operation went well and I’m positive about the future. It was good to be back in and see the lads.”