Republic of Ireland defender Shane Duffy hopes to be back in action in five months after almost dying in a training match incident last week.

The 18-year-old Everton player had life-saving surgery after lacerating his liver in a Republic of Ireland match against an amateur side.

As he left Dublin's Mater Hospital on Friday afternoon, Duffy said that medical staff had saved his life.

"I just want to thank all the medical staff," stated the Derry native.

"Gerry McEntee [surgeon], Alan Byrne [Republic team doctor] and John O'Byrne [surgeon] saved my life.

"This time last week, I was in there having an operation and it was a scary time.

606: DEBATE Credit to the FAI medical team for their excellent work dazzlingdublinblue

"I just have to thank everyone. It's been a crazy time, a crazy week."

Duffy was hurt in a seemingly innocuous collision with Irish Amateur team keeper Adrian Walsh, and collapsed in agony on the pitch at Malahide United's Gannon Park home.

Dr Byrne and Professor O'Byrne, who was among the spectators, quickly realised the damage was serious and rushed the defender to hospital, where it was discovered 3.6 litres of blood - around two-thirds of his total supply - had leaked into his abdomen.

That led to a sudden and dramatic fall in his blood pressure which might have proved fatal had A&E staff not managed to stabilise him.

"It was a blur. I woke up on Friday night with the operation done, but my mum and dad were telling me that I had nearly died.

"I am so happy to be alive now."

Duffy has been inundated by messages of support from his Everton team-mates, and was visited in hospital by the Ireland squad and later, manager Giovanni Trapattoni and skipper Robbie Keane.

"When they walked in, I didn't know because I was still sleeping. But when I saw the manager and Robbie there...

The pain has gone a bit, it's easing off Shane Duffy

"Robbie is a top lad - all the lads were top, to be fair.

"The day before, they all came, about 14 of them, and I couldn't ask for any more of them.

"All the Everton lads have been in touch. Everyone has been so supportive - I can't get over how much people care about it."

Duffy now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but hopes to return to action within five months.

"The pain has gone a bit, it's easing off and hopefully over the next couple of months, I can recover well and get back playing.

"I will take it easy, just not rush it back."

Duffy attached no blame to Walsh over the incident which might have proved so costly.

"It's not like he meant to do it. It was just one of those things that happen."

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