Forres Mechanics midfielder Neil Whyte will miss today’s Highland League game against champions Cove Rangers after he was taken to hospital with a burst ulcer.
The 37-year-old distillery warehouseman, who hung up his boots after winning the 2011-2012 Highland League title, made a shock comeback in the Can-Cans’ Scottish Cup tie against Keith a fortnight ago.
He was set to continue his return against Cove today but instead he will spend the afternoon at Dr Gray’s hospital at Elgin.
Mechanics manager Charlie Rowley said: “Neil was taken into hospital on Tuesday with some form of ulcer. He had two transfusions totalling six pints of blood.
“Our chairman Dr James Anderson has a bit of knowledge on that subject and he told me that it is pretty serious stuff.
“Neil is still in the high-dependency unit in Elgin after collapsing at his work. We wish him the speediest of recoveries.
“Apparently, he was telling the nurses he needed to be out for tomorrow’s game. Neil has always been one of the fittest players I’ve seen and no doubt that will help aid his recovery.”
Forres are also without Kyle Scott, Ross Archibald, Ryan Green, Andrew Fraser and Scott Lawrie. Steven Fraser and Simon Allan face fitness tests, while Cove are expected to be at full strength.
Formartine United entertain Rothes at North Lodge Park.
The Pitmedden men have Craig McKeown and Joe Hamill out injured and it is likely that Paul Napier will replace Neil McVitie who has a groin strain. The Speysiders will miss defenders Gary Ewen and Kevin Shortreed, while Jack Presly is doubtful.
Fraserburgh should be at full-strength when they welcome a Keith side without Gary McNamee, Graham Lonie and Mark Wood to Bellslea. However, midfielder Murray McCulloch is added to the squad.
Huntly face Turriff United at Christie Park.
Huntly’s only absentee is Russell Guild, while United will miss Nick Gray, Stuart Taylor, Gary Davidson, Kenny Mair, Richie Ligertwood and Gary McGowan. Mike McKenzie returns.