Sprowston Tigers and Norwich U12s keeper returns from injury

Francis Abolemi, who has also played for Norwich City's academy teams, fractured both knees when collecting the ball during a match for Sprowston Tigers U12s last May.

The Bowthorpe youngster was hospitalised for two weeks and bedbound during his rehabilitation, which was expected to keep him out of action for at least a year.

Francis Abomeli in goal for Sprowston Tigers (Image: Ricky Cleverley)

However, just seven months later, Francis was back between the sticks and helped contribute to the Tigers' double-trophy winning season.

Rickey Cleverley, manager of the Tigers for six years, who his son George also plays for, said: "Me and his team-mates visited him the whole time during his rehabilitation and he was determined to come back.

"But in your heart of hearts you wonder how he'd actually handle being back on the field.

Manager Ricky Cleverley and his son George (Image: Ricky Cleverley)

"In November he started light running at school and asked if he could begin training again - we were very cautious with him - but he'd have played in November if he could've done.

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"In December, Filip Sejud, who stepped in goal for us, couldn't play so we made the call to put Francis in - it was a very emotional day for everyone."

Francis, pictured centre in yellow, celebrating Sprowston Tigers U12s double trophy winning season (Image: Ricky Cleverley)

Francis proceeded to play in 11 games for the Tigers - 10 in goal and one as a striker - in the second half of the season and helped the team to their most successful season in six years, winning both the U12 Championship and the 4 SportsTrophy of the Norfolk Combined Youth League.

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Ricky added: "It was so special for the entire team, most of who have been together since they were six years old, to rally around Francis - it was really touching.

"To have him contribute to our success this year was amazing as we didn't see him coming back so soon."

Francis got a surprise call from Canaries keeper Angus Gunn during his rehabilitation and also received a signed shirt and gloves from the Scotland international.

Francis with a signed Angus Gunn short and gloves during his rehabilitation (Image: Colin Watts)