Hero Joe Hart is here to stay

ENGLAND are in safe hands once again thanks to Joe Hart.

Read Full Story

Have Your Shout

Tottenham's Michael Dawson out for two months

SPURS were thrown into turmoil last night after learning central defender Michael Dawson will be out for two months with injuries to his left knee and ankle.

Read Full Story

Have Your Shout

Phil Jagielka warns John Terry and Rio Ferdinand

CENTRE-BACK Phil Jagielka last night warned Rio Ferdinand and John Terry they face a battle to claim their place back from him.

Read Full Story

Have Your Shout

Get posting in the Star Forums!

You can join the debate and post your own views in the lively Daily Star Forums!

ACE JAY ‘DIED’ IN FACE-OP SHOCKER

ABOVE: McEveley's heart stopped for two minutes

5th November 2009

By John Percy

Your Shout ( 0 )

DERBY defender Jay McEveley has revealed how he cheated death when his heart stopped for two minutes after a routine operation to repair a fractured cheekbone turned into a nightmare.

McEveley flatlined two weeks ago on the operating table and was rushed into intensive care.

The 24-year-old was booked in at Royal Derby Hospital to repair a cheekbone but suffered a reaction before the operation.

The ex-Blackburn star said: “It was supposed to be a simple operation to pull the cheekbone out but, just before that, my heart decided to stop on the operating table.

“I didn’t realise until I woke up in intensive care when I was wired into machines. When they told me it was a shock, to say the least.

“For my heart to stop for two minutes was a real shock. Ten or 20 seconds is bad enough – but two minutes is just scary.

“I don’t know if it was a reaction to the anaesthetic but I’ve had five operations before and nothing has ever happened like that.

“I’m just happy to be here. You take things for granted but this has really opened my eyes.”

McEveley has been through stringent tests since the scare and is in contention for Derby’s clash with Coventry tomorrow.

Incredibly, he is the second player at Derby to suffer heart problems this season after rookie defender Mark O’Brien required surgery to repair valves in his heart.

And McEveley admits he is reluctant to ever have an operation again after his traumatic experience.

He added: “They’ve done loads of further tests on my heart and I’ve had the all-clear. The doctors have said it won’t affect my career and I can carry on as normal.

“I’ve never been bothered about operations before. I actually quite like the feeling of being put to sleep but if I need another one now I will definitely be wary.

“The gaffer was calling me Lazarus but I just wanted to get back to normality.

“I’ll be wearing a mask if I’m involved against Coventry. I’ve not really thought much about the fractured cheekbone, to be honest.”

» MORE 'FOOTBALL' HERE...