Josh Magennis recalls Stuart Dallas phone call as he reflects on 'fragile' football career

Josh Magennis says Stuart Dallas' career-ending leg-break is a reminder of the fragile life of a professional footballer.

Leeds United star Dallas suffered a catastrophic femoral fracture against Manchester City back in April 2022, with his anterior cruciate ligament ripped clean off the bone.

Northern Ireland teammate Magennis remembers receiving a phone call from Dallas' distraught wife Juneve that evening.

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"I still remember that phone call. His missus phoned me to tell me and I was like 'What?'. I had a game at the same time so didn't know what had happened," he recalls.

"She told me he had broken his leg. I managed to get a hold of him after he came out of surgery, but it was a massive shock.

"It is like Davo (Steven Davis) as well. He didn't even get to play again for Northern Ireland or Rangers. It is sad they didn't get the farewells they deserved.

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"But getting to leave on your own terms is relatively unheard of. Those two boys are superstars and legends for club and country. So when they had to retire due to injury, it was sad.

"You just have to keep going and make the most of it."

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