The uplifting voices of the Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church male voice choir brought solace to the family, teammates and friends of injured footballer Gabriel Wilkinson last night.

The Somerset Eagles goalkeeper was critically injured in an accident at White Hill Field on Sunday and was airlifted to Boston Lahey Clinic in the US. His parents Garry and Sharon are at his side as he recovers from a fractured skull and swelling on the brain.

Last night more than a hundred people gathered at Somerset Bridge Recreation Club in a prayer vigil for the 26-year-old player.

Dressed in black, the 21-strong choir and pianist brought joyous song to the occasion, while ministers uttered words of comfort.

The Rev. Larry Lowe, Pastor of Mount Zion AME, said: "We are certainly grateful to the White Hill community for coming to support this initiative here tonight."

Government Senator Marc Bean, who is president of SBRC, said: "They say prayer is all powerful."

"Rest assured this last five or six days the players of Somerset Eagles and members of the club have realised that to be a living reality and truth."

"How much more powerful then, when prayer is combined with beautiful and uplifting song."

Garon Wilkinson said his 26-year-old brother — a physical education teacher at Berkeley Institute, was still heavily sedated at Lahey Clinic but was starting to show small signs of recovery.

"My brother is doing as well as he can right now," he said. "Basically everything that can go right has gone right so far."

"We continue to remain positive, and know this is a result of collective prayer, collective positive beliefs and thoughts."

"The last report we had last night was his best day and it was the most cheerful I have seen my parents."

"Gabriel has shown some movements although he is in an unconscious state, but it shows he is trying to get comfortable in his bed, and we are hoping that by the weekend they (medical staff) will allow him to come to."

"He is ready to wake up but they just want to make sure all his injuries are healing well. Right now it's just a matter of how fast he's going to recover, so once again I would like to thank you all."