Keith midfielder Gary McNamee feared his career was over after suffering a horrendous injury in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat against Buckie Thistle.
The 27-year-old suffered a double leg break and dislocated ankle after a challenge from Jags midfielder Chris Hegarty.
He is facing the prospect of further surgery after complications stemming from his original treatment.
The Maroons player, however, has vowed to return, although he knows the road to recovery will be long.
He said: “When it first happened I looked down and saw my foot just hanging there at the side. I immediately thought my football career was over, but everybody’s been telling me I’ll be back.
“I’m sure I will be. Especially with the brilliant care I’m receiving from my girlfriend Claire, and her mum Margaret, who are running about looking after me all day.”
McNamee was released from Dr Gray’s hospital in Elgin on Monday after an operation on his broken tibia and fibula, and a dislocated ankle. However, yesterday he was back in hospital in Aberdeen.
He returned home last night but is bracing himself for another operation after complications arising from his injuries.
He said: “I was operated on in Elgin on Sunday and got home to Aberdeen on Monday night.
“When I woke up my knee was swollen and when I went to accident and emergency in Aberdeen they were worried about my leg being in a plaster-cast as there’s a metal rod fitted from my knee to my foot.
“That is supposed to be doing all the work to keep my leg rigid.
“They removed the cast but because my knee has swollen they think it is infected and may require an operation. It has been a nightmare.”
Buckie player Hegarty, who was sent off for his tackle, apologised to the player while McNamee has received messages of support from several Highland League players.
He said: “Buckie Thistle manager Gary Hake called me to apologise. Also, the Jags’ player who tackled me, Chris Hegarty, also texted me at the weekend to apologise, and to say that it was unintentional. I didn’t text him back for a few days, I was still angry about it.
“But I got back in touch with him. I realise no player goes in to break another player’s leg.
“My mobile phone and Facebook page have been busy with messages from players at every club. Even from players I don’t really know. It’s very nice.
“Former Huntly goalkeeper Ross Bremner was on the phone to me this afternoon as he had a similar injury, and ex-Keith goalkeeper Ian Thain, who also had a similar injury, has also called me.”
McNamee is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but hopes he will be back supporting his team-mates soon.
He said: “Keith manager, Darren Still, has told me that if I want, when I’m able to, he’ll take me along to matches and put my name on the team-sheet so I can sit in the dugout. That would be great.”