Former Everton defender Morgan Feeney is in good spirits despite what initially appeared to be a horror injury when playing for Shrewsbury Town at Stockport County on Tuesday night. The Blues academy graduate from Bootle, who made a brace of senior appearances in Europa League matches against Atalanta and Apollon Limassol in 2017 before going on to have spells at Sunderland, Carlisle United and now Shrewsbury Town was stretchered off wearing a neck brace in the Shropshire outfit’s 1-0 defeat in their League One fixture at Edgeley Park.

The club put out the following statement: “Following Morgan Feeney's neck injury shortly after the hour mark of tonight's game, we can now provide an update on his wellbeing. Morgan suffered a bad landing after jumping to clear a set-piece and felt some pain in his neck.

“The medical teams of both clubs rushed to the scene where thankfully Morgan was conscious and able to move his hands and feet. As a precaution, Morgan was carefully treated to protect his neck as he was lifted onto a stretcher.

“He was then taken to a local hospital for further precautionary checks. Everyone at Shrewsbury Town wishes Morgan the very best and hopes he makes a full and quick recovery.”

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Photographs taken at the time show Shrews head coach Gareth Ainsworth looking concerned as his player received treatment and the 51-year-old said: "He's gone to hospital as a precaution. There's been an issue with his neck and he's had some pains afterwards so you can't be too careful.

“I want to thank Stockport County’s medical team and my medical team. I thought they worked really well, really quickly. We hope Morgan's alright and doesn't have to stay in hospital or anything.“

“Early signs are positive, but I don't want to be the bearer of any incorrect news. I just want to say he came off conscious and it was a precaution.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with him, and we hope he makes a full recovery.”

The ECHO understands that Feeney has told those close to him that he has subsequently been given the all-clear following a scan and that concerns at the time were because he heard a crack in his neck when team-mate Funso Ojo landed on him.

However, the 25-year-old is in good spirits and having been a regular in Shrewsbury Town’s side this season, he is hoping to be back playing soon to help the club’s battle against relegation as they look to climb off the bottom of the table under their new boss who was appointed on November 13.