A young footballer who collapsed during a match is walking again after being resuscitated on the pitch.

Welling United player Ali Reith, who spent his 16th birthday comatose last Tuesday, was seen smiling with Dartford FC youth development coach Phil Murray in a picture posted on the Darts’ official website last week.

Darts manager Tony Burman, who gave Ali mouth-to-mouth resuscitation in front of the boy’s parents at a game at Princes Park last Sunday, said Ali is continuing to make good progress and is no longer bedridden.

Ali is thought to have collapsed due to a suspected heart condition, but tests are continuing to be carried out to diagnose his specific illness.

My Burman said: “As far as I know they are assessing him to find out what his specific condition is.

“He is walking tentatively at the moment, but it’s great to hear that he is fully conscious again.

“At the end of the day, he is up and around and that is the main thing. Hopefully they can do something about it and he will be fully recovered and able to play again.

“It seems like it’s going very good outcome.”

Mr Burman was one of the first on the scene when he saw Ali collapse to the ground mid-game.

Speaking to the Messenger last week, he said: “I happened to be watching the game and we could see that Ali was in trouble.

“I phoned emergency services and spoke to the operator it became quite apparent that he was in serious trouble.”

Fortunately Mr Burman was first aid trained and administered CPR on the pitch under then guidance of the 999 operator.

The incident became critical when Mr Burman failed to feel any pulse from the youngster.

An air ambulance arrived at the scene soon afterwards and accompanied the casualty as he was taken to hospital by road.

“It seems like it’s going very good outcome” - Tony Burman, Dartford FC manager

Mr Burman added: “The emergency services and air ambulance were absolutely fantastic. All we did was try to keep him going until they arrived.

“I did what any other human would have done.

“He is one of the fittest and nicest guys that they have had at the club. I just hope we did the right thing and that he makes a good recovery.”

Welling United have extended their thanks to Mr Burman as well as youth coach Phil Murray for their speedy reaction to the incident.

In a statement published on its website, a Welling United spokesman said: “We are pleased to announce that under-16 youth player Ali Reith is no longer in a coma and is recovering in hospital.

“Ali collapsed whilst playing for the U16’s verses Dartford on Sunday and has been in an induced coma ever since.

“There will be a collection bucket for Ali at tomorrow’s first team verses Tranmere Rovers.

“It would be fantastic if we could all show solidarity and help Ali and his family during this difficult period.”