Hibernian's Shiels to have eye removed
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Dean Shiels, the Hibernian forward, is to undergo surgery to have an eye removed. The Northern Ireland international, who gained his first senior cap against Portugal at Windsor Park in November, has been sightless in the eye since an accident when he was eight.
The former Arsenal youth team player, 20, has spoken publicly for the first time about the injury. "Since the accident, I have had no sight at all in the eye despite several operations when I was younger," he said. "At that time it was always envisaged that there might come a time when the damaged eye might have to be removed. In the past few months, the condition of the eye has deteriorated and it has been causing me other problems such as severe headaches."
Following specialist advice, Shiels said he had decided to have the operation now. "While it is important that the fans understand the reason that I am not involved at the moment, I don't want people to make too big a deal of this. I will be very happy if I am just allowed to get on with the operation and then get back to playing football once I have fully recovered."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments