Hume in hospital with head injury

AFP - 10 November 2008 20:20

Canada international Iain Hume, seen here in 2003, is being treated in a hospital high dependency unit after being diagnosed with a fractured skull sustained playing in England.

LONDON (AFP) - Canada international Iain Hume is being treated in a hospital high dependency unit after being diagnosed with a fractured skull sustained playing in England.

The Barnsley striker was injured during Saturday's 2-1 defeat at home to Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United in English football's second-tier Championship division.

Hume had to leave the field following a challenge with Chris Morgan, United's captain and a former Barnsley defender, and his condition then worsened severely.

"He got caught in the face with an elbow," said Simon Davey, the Barnsley manager.

"He couldn't move his neck. His neck was stiff and his cheekbone's not in the same shape it was when he started the game."

Morgan was booked by referee Andy D'Urso after the 35th-minute clash.

Davey added: "At the time I thought when somebody raises an elbow and catches you in the face, it usually is a red card, but you're talking about playing Barnsley and at the moment that doesn't happen."

In a statement, the Blades said: "Sheffield United are saddened and concerned to hear that Barnsley striker Iain Hume is being monitored in a high dependency unit following last Saturday's fixture and we wish him a speedy and full recovery."