DARLINGTON ace Paddy Almond was diagnosed with a bleed on the brain after being rushed to hospital during a match against Southend.
He is due to have an operation this morning and was able to hold conversations with the club's physio last night.
The Quakers visited Roots Hall on Saturday and lost 2-1 in an FA Trophy encounter.
Almond, 20, was substituted in the second half when he sustained a head injury and was taken to Southend Hospital due to a suspected concussion.
A brain scan later showed a bleed on the brain, and he has subsequently been transferred to a specialist unit in London.
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Darlington's medical specialist Danny O'Connor accompanied the centre-back.
Darlington issued the following statement: "Darlington defender Paddy Almond came off in the second half of our game at Southend today, and was rushed to hospital with suspected concussion.
"After a brain scan at Southend Hospital, Paddy has been diagnosed with a bleed on the brain, and is currently being transferred (Danny is with him) to a specialist London hospital for further treatment.
"Paddy is in our thoughts, and we continue to wish him a speedy recovery."
Almond started out at Sunderland's youth set up before moving to Shildon in November.
The defender then quickly joined Darlington only a month later.
The youngster has amassed two league appearances with Alun Armstrong's side so far.
Darlington are currently second in the National League North table with only one point separating them from table toppers Kings Lynn Town.
