A teenage footballer has been taken off a ventilator nearly two weeks after collapsing in the middle of the game.

Cameron Beckles was playing for Corinthian, a side based in Longfield, near Gravesend, when he fell to the ground during their Kent Senior Trophy match at Larkfield & New Hythe on Saturday, November 25.

The 19-year-old was taken to Maidstone Hospital before being transferred for surgery in London later that night.

He then required further surgery the next day, with treatment aiming to remove a blood clot and to reduce swelling on his brain.

It led to the footballer then needing to be put on a ventilator.

Yet the club revealed last week – after his transfer and two days after collapsing – that the player remained in a “stable but critical condition and will continue to be monitored closely over the next 48 hours”.

They have since provided an update on Cameron's condition and confirmed he is now breathing without the use of the machine.

Corinthian's statement explained: "Firstly, thank you all again for your kind words and generosity shown towards Cameron and his family through both your messages and the GoFundMe page donations.

"It means a lot to both us as a football club and Cameron's family to know that the football community is with him at this worrying time.

"Over the weekend, Cameron has been taken off the ventilator and had a stable night.

"He has also been aware for short periods of time and, under direct instruction, Cameron has also softly squeezed his mother's hand.

"Please continue to keep Cameron in your thoughts and prayers."

The match on November 25 was stopped in the 40th minute, before being abandoned with the sides drawing 1-1.

Corinthian’s weekend game was also postponed.

League 2 Gillingham were among the many clubs to send their best wishes on social media, writing: “Wishing him a full and speedy recovery.”

Meanwhile donations set up via a GoFundMe page aimed at supporting Cameron and his family have already exceeded expectations.

More than £4,000 has been raised so far.

Corinthian manager Michael Golding said: “The wider football community comes together in times of crisis like this.

“We all have out frenemies and everyone has their own football rivalries, but something like this happening to a 19-year-old kid puts everything into perspective.

“We massively appreciate all the well wishes and all the donations - it doesn’t go unnoticed.

“He’s a whole-hearted defender, and he’s a really nice kid.

“He’s a 19-year-old who’s got his whole future ahead of him.

“Just keep spreading the word so we can raise as much money as we can for him and his family to get through this period.”