SCHUEY: GET WELL SOON

Thursday 29 April 2004, 11:30

Everton's Steven Schumacher has sent a message of goodwill to Sunderland's Paul Thirwell following Tuesday night's sickening clash of heads during the 0-2 reserve defeat.

The duo collided early on in the game and Thirwell lost consciousness before being stretchered off the field and taken by ambulance to the local hospital in Southport.

It was subsequently revealed that the Black Cats player, who was just returning from a calf injury, had fractured his skull and he is now ruled out for the immediate future.

"Nobody likes to see anybody get injured when you're playing and as soon as it happened I knew that Paul was hurt quite badly," said Schumacher.

"I hope he makes a full recovery as soon as possible and I, and everyone at Everton, wish him all the very best for the future."

A Sunderland spokesperson said: "Paul was knocked unconscious for around three to four minutes and received initial treatment on the pitch. He was then taken to a local hospital where he received a scan and remained overnight.

"It was confirmed that Paul has suffered a fractured skull, however we are hopeful he will be released in the next day or so."