Accrington Stanley defender Tom Bender has admitted that he was "lucky" to have escaped serious injury following an accidental collision with teammate Ian Dunbavin last week.
Stanley's Johnstone's Paint Trophy match with Tranmere Rovers was abandoned on Tuesday as Bender received treatment on the pitch for half an hour.
Oxygen and a drip were used on the pitch, raising concerns that the 18-year-old on loan from Colchester United had broken his neck.
However, it was later confirmed that Bender had suffered severe concussion, something that he is thankful for.
"When I came round, the phone lines were going mad and there were rumours I had broken my neck and even some that I could die," Bender told Sky Sports News.
"When I spoke to the doctors and they told me the outcome, it really made me realise how lucky I am."
Bender also revealed that he has not been given any indication as to when he can return to training.
