A Kent footballer unconscious for a week after being injured in a match has thanked fans for their support as he continues to recover.

Tonbridge Angels striker Mikel Suarez said the reaction from family, friends and strangers "brought out the humanity" in the sport.

He clashed heads with a team-mate when they both went for a header in the Blue Square South game against Farnborough on Saturday, October 13.

The 26-year-old was in intensive care with a head injury in the collision with Lee Browning during the second half of the 4-1 defeat at Farnborough.

Now Mikel has said in a statement on the club's website: "I want to thank everyone for the fantastic support and kind messages I and my family have received since my unfortunate accident in the match against Farnborough FC in October.

"These have been transmitted to me and have sincerely helped me in remaining positive during my recovery.

"It's moments like these that bring out the humanity in people in a sport as competitive as football, and puts things into perspective.

"I am still in the process of recovering, however hope to be back up and running early to mid next year.

"Thanks everyone once again and I look forward to being back on the pitch."

Both players were carried off and taken to hospital after the accident, with Browning released later in the evening having also suffered a head wound.

Mikel's family flew over from Spain to be at his bedside.