Duffy feared for his life

SHANE DUFFY was yesterday transferred from intensive care to the high dependency unit at the Mater Hospital and, if he continues to make good progress, could be discharged by the weekend.

The 18-year-old Everton defender had undergone life-saving surgery on Friday night after lacerating his liver and suffering massive loss of blood following an accidental collision in a training game between the Irish senior and junior sides at Gannon Park in Malahide.

Team doctor Alan Byrne described the improvement in the player’s condition as “great news”, adding that Shane, who had feared he was going to die from his injuries, was sitting up and reading the newspaper after a peaceful night’s sleep.