An Elgin City footballer remains in a critical condition in hospital following a crash on the A96 involving several of his team mates.
Defender Chris Tucker was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary following the accident, near Alves late on Wednesday evening, when two cars carrying the players crashed.
The 21-year-old had to undergo a five-hour operation on two broken legs. He is also being treated for a broken pelvis and severe lacerations to his head.
His club manager, Ross Jack, was at his bedside last night as messages of support flooded in.
The six players involved had been taking part in Elgin City’s Under-21 match against Inverness City at the Highland Football Academy in Dingwall, which they won 5-1.
They were travelling home in two Vauxhall Corsa cars when they collided near the Coldfield junction at 10.15pm on Wednesday. The car carrying Mr Tucker hit a tree while the other ended up on its side in a ditch.
Mr Tucker’s team-mates, Ceiran McLean, Stewart Black, Aaron Hamilton, Connor Macaulay and Darryl McHardy, where all taken to Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin but escaped serious injury.
Elgin City chairman Graham Tatters has spoken with all five. He said: “Some of the boys were a bit shocked and had headaches, and some of them were able to go home with their parents. I am going to visit two who are being kept in for observation overnight.”
Hours before the accident Mr Tucker said he was looking forward to the game, and sent a Twitter message to former Celtic and Wales striker John Hartson, who was in Inverness on business.
Mr Tucker tweeted: “Come and watch Elgin vs Inverness City at the Highland Football Academy tonight in Dingwall - #youngtalent!”
Described by his manager as a “promising young player” Chris Tucker was on the bench for Elgin City as a Trialist when they defeated Aberdeen 1-0 in a pre-season friendly in July.
Grampian Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident to come forward, they can be contacted on 0845 600 5 700.
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