A Derry footballer who was the victim of a serious assault in the city over two weeks ago is making remarkable progress in hospital following the attack.
Niall Grace (24), who plays for Institute Football Club, was attacked in Waterloo Street, Derry at 12.45am on Sunday September 11 and had been critically ill.
He was taken to Altnagelvin Area Hospital, before later being transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital, where he remains.
The assault happened as thousands of people were in the city for the Club MTV event at Ebrington Square.
In a positive update late on Monday night Institute Football Club explained that the Grace family had been in touch and revealed Niall has made "significant progress" in the past week.
"He is conscious and talking and able to recognise family and friends. He has also been moved from the intensive care unit to a main hospital ward where his progress will continue to be monitored. Whilst Niall is still showing signs of confusion and frustration, the family are hopeful that his condition will continue to improve over the coming weeks," a club statement read.
"Finally, the Grace family would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation for the love and generosity they have been shown during this difficult time," the club added.
The former pupil of Lumen Christi College in Derry, Mr Grace, from the Shantallow area, signed with the club last December having formerly played in the Milk Cup and as a schoolboy international.
Following the serious assault a 22-year-old local man was charged with a one-punch attack on the footballer.
