DANNY McDonnell has paid tribute to generous Worcester City fans who raised nearly £1,000 in just 24 hours for his shoulder operation.

The goalkeeper underwent reconstruction surgery on torn tendons in his right arm after kind-hearted supporters rallied round to come up with the cash.

McDonnell's insurance company would not pay for the operation because of the regular cortisone injections the keeper had been having to prolong his stay in the team.

The St George's Lane club could not afford the bill and McDonnell faced waiting for a National Health Service operation until a plea was put on an independent internet message board.

Within 24 hours, a group of supporters had donated the money for McDonnell to have his surgery.

Around £1,300 has so far been pledged and chairman Dave Boddy is confident the full cost of the surgery, around £2,000, will be raised to reimburse the keeper.

McDonnell said: "It's an unbelievable gesture and for supporters to give out of their own pocket at that time of the year makes it even more unbelievable.

"I found out two days prior to having the operation that the insurance company would not cover me because of the cortisone injections.

"I was left in a mess when they told me and the club unfortunately weren't in a po-sition to help out with the cost of the operation so it was a case of going on the NHS waiting list until March or April or find the money myself.

"With the help of my family I got the money together and chairman Dave Boddy said he would do what he could to help.

"I want to say a massive thanks to the fans and hopefully I can repay them by getting fit and playing at Worcester City for as long as they want me.

"I wish I could individually thank them all but I only have a list of names."

The 34-year-old added: "The rehabilitation period is four to six months so I have got to stay in those guidelines but I am hoping for four months.

"It's unlikely whether I will be available again this season but hopefully I might be able to start training before the end of the season."

City chairman Dave Boddy said: "On behalf of the club we would like to extend our thanks to the supporters.

"Danny has been a great servant to this club and at the time it needed to be done the football club was not in a financial position to be able to do it.

"We are extremely grateful to the fans, it was a great gesture."