Former Republic of Ireland international Kevin Sheedy has been told his bowel cancer surgery has been successful.
A tumour and lymph glands that were removed during the surgery have subsequently tested ‘all clear’ which means that he will not require any further treatment.
He believes that early detection of the condition has saved his life.
Sheedy, coach of Everton’s Under-18 team, told their club website: "I will need regular checks to monitor my recovery.
"My life has been saved through early detection and I am told that over 90% who are diagnosed at the earliest stage are successfully treated.
"I would strongly urge anybody who has concerns to go immediately to their GP.
"Don’t be embarrassed to go otherwise you could die of that embarrassment."
Sheedy has thanked well-wishers following the diagnosis and said it helped his progress: "I would like to say a massive thank-you to everybody who sent me messages of support, which I got from all over the world.
"It was very touching and really helped me to deal with my situation knowing that so many people were rooting for me."
