A footballer critically injured in an accidental clash at a game is out of intensive care. Gabriel Wilkinson was discharged from ICU at Boston Lahey Clinic on Wednesday and is now recovering in a rehab clinic at Cambridge, Boston.

His brother Garon said yesterday: "We don't know how long it will be until he can continue with his life but we are just relieved he is making progress."

Mr. Wilkinson, goalkeeper for the Somerset Eagles, suffered a fractured skull and swelling to the brain after being struck on the head by an Ireland Rangers opponent at a First Division match on October 12. The 26-year-old Berkeley Institute physical education teacher was airlifted to the US where he underwent surgery and was then sedated to bring the swelling down.

Garon Wilkinson told The Royal Gazette his brother is now conscious but that he "still needs lots of rest and sleep".

He added: "The swelling continues to go down and his alertness is becoming better every day. Gabriel has still got a long way to go, but any step forward is a relief for us. For me I was just happy he was going to live, so any kind of progress is good for me."

Mr. Wilkinson however, said his brother is still unable to speak due to the surgery and placement of medical equipment. "Because of the way the tubes are placed, he's not in a position to speak, but the doctors believe that will come back in time," he said. "We are just taking things one day at a time."