DEFENDER Tom Bender remains in hospital after being knocked-out on the pitch during tonight’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy second-round clash between Accrington and Tranmere.
The on-loan Colchester man, who was born in Harlow, was caught in a collision in the area between Stanley goalkeeper Ian Dunbavin and Tranmere’s Lucas Akin in the 38th minute.
He took a full blow to the face and was knocked unconscious. He was treated on the pitch for 30 minutes with oxygen and was on a drip before he left in an ambulance.
The match was abandoned as Bender underwent a brain scan but he has now been given the all-clear.
He will remain in Blackburn Hospital overnight.
The 18-year-old has represented Wales at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 level - coming on as a sub in the latter’s match against Hungary last month.
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