ED'S A-HEAD OF THE GAME!

ED FRANCIS has paid tribute to key figures at Gateshead after he made a successful comeback from a fractured skull.

- Mark Carruthers

Francis, the former Notts County and Harrogate Town midfielder, suffered the horror injury during the New Year's Day defeat at York City, prompting a painstaking six-week recovery period.

However, his patience paid off last Saturday when the Heed vice-captain completed an emotional return to action in helping the Heed to a 1-0 win at Southend United.

Now, with his focus now on the future rather than his recovery, Francis has given an insight into invaluable contribution that manager Rob Elliot and his backroom staff played in getting him back onto the pitch.

He told The NLP: "It wasn't the worst case scenario with the injury and as soon as I knew that I just wanted to be back out on the pitch and helping the lads.