Healy accepts Safri apology, thanks supporters

Colin Healy has revealed that he's accepted an apology from Youssef Safri over the tackle that broke the young Irishman's leg when Sunderland played Coventry recently.

Healy was speaking from the Academy of Light yesterday where he returned for the first time since the horrifying injury that will almost certainly rule him out of the rest of the season.

There were suggestions that the player was considering taking legal action against Safri, but Healy said, "He (Safri) has been in touch and apologised and that’s the end of it. I prefer to look forward.”

And the player thanked the legions of Sunderland supporters who have sent him their best wishes, saying "I’d like to thank everyone who has sent me messages of goodwill and supported me - I really appreciate it.

“It has obviously been a bad time for me and the support has helped me through. I was in a lot of pain in the days after the injury, and the well-wishers helped my spirits."

Colin appears to be in a very positive frame of mind, and is already looking forward to pulling on the red and white to play for the Lads again.

"I’m feeling a lot more positive now and I’m keen to start work with our physio. I’m looking forward to playing again.

“I’ve been told that the operation went well and I’m positive about the future. "