Stanley striker Kurtis Guthrie was one of the first people to see Tom Bender as he came around from his scan on Tuesday night.

Guthrie, who has become good friends with Bender since the pair both came to the Crown Ground this season, said: "When I went down to the hospital he’d just come back from his scan and was still a bit dazed but, after about 20 minutes, I managed to get a smile out of him and get him talking.

"Obviously we were instantly worried about him.

"Fortunately it was just a really bad concussion and his scan came back clear which is the main thing.

" Hopefully he’ll be back kicking a ball soon.

"We were all in shock when it happened.

"You don’t know what to think or what to do.

"I’ve never seen anything like it so it was completely new.

"The main thing is that he’s okay and the support he’s had is incredible."

Guthrie continued: "Obviously he plays international football for Wales and has hopefully got a good career ahead of him.

"People were obviously concerned because he’s got a lot of talent and everyone wants to keep him well and wish him all the best.

"I think he’ll want to be back here playing football as soon as he can.

"He’ll be back with the lads having a laugh and a joke and be able to look back on this and laugh about it."