A YOUNG footballer was rushed to hospital after suffering a blow to the head during a match in Greenock.

The teenager was playing in an under-17s Scottish Cup fixture between Helensburgh outfit Ardencaple against local team St Andrew’s Boys’ Club at Inverclyde Academy on Saturday when he was struck in the face by the ball.

He showed no sign of injury until half time when he became unwell in the dressing room and could not remember his name or where he was.

The boy was taken to Inverclyde Royal while the match was halted before full time.

Lloyd Kingsman, manager of St Andrew’s U17s, said: “It was a freak accident - a shot came in and he got it full in the face.

“The boy was brave getting in front of it.

“Their coach was saying he didn’t know what his name was or where he was.

“He carried on and was okay til half time and their coach came over to say they couldn’t continue.

“The main concern was getting him to hospital, especially because it was a head knock – you can’t take any risks.”

The youngster was kept in overnight at IRH before he was given the all-clear by doctors and discharged on Sunday.

Lloyd said: “It all happened quickly.

“He was walking but very, very dazed.

“It was very unfortunate.

“The doctors kept him in overnight for observations.

“We checked with one of their coaches and he got out of hospital and he’s absolutely fine.”

St Andrew’s have wished the youngster a speedy recovery.

Lloyd said: “We’ve kept in touch and their coach sent a text back saying the St Andrew’s boys were a credit.

“He was very complimentary about our boys, which was a nice touch and good to hear. We wish the player and the club all the best for the rest of the season.”