Portadown have confirmed captain Gary Thompson has “returned home and is resting” after being transported to hospital following a “scary and worrying incident” during Friday’s league match against Larne at Inver Park.

Thompson fell awkwardly after an aerial challenge in the first half with immediate concern from players on both teams – he was thankfully able to walk off the pitch having received medical attention.

The 36-year-old was brought to hospital for further checks with the Ports confirming Thompson has been discharged as he continues recovery.

"Portadown FC can confirm that Gary Thompson received medical attention following an awkward fall during an aerial challenge in yesterday evening’s match against Larne and was subsequently taken to hospital,” the club posted on social media. “It was a scary and worrying incident for everyone present, thankfully Gary has since returned home and is resting.

placeholder image — Portadown captain Gary Thompson walks off the pitch after receiving medical attention. (Photo by Andrew McCarroll/Pacemaker Press)

“We would also like to place on record our sincere thanks to the medical staff at Larne FC and St John Ambulance for their care, assistance and professionalism.”

Thompson was replaced by Finn Flanagan in the 28th minute of Friday’s match, which the Ports lost 1-0 after Kevin O’Hara struck a late winner for the reigning champions – his first Premiership goal since joining the Inver Reds from Hamilton Academical during the summer.

Following Saturday’s results with Bangor beating Ballymena United 1-0 at The Showgrounds, Portadown have dropped to bottom of the table – but football was secondary for manager David Jeffrey after initial concern over Thompson.

"It has been quite some time since I’ve seen (that) reaction to an injury,” Jeffrey told the club’s media channel after the match. “The whole ground seemed to go hush.

"Big Aaron McCarey was frantic in getting the physios on and we were desperately worried.

"I don’t really want to go into the detail or describe, but it was awful. It was accidental from what I can see, the skipper always gives absolutely everything to make contact with the ball and came over and landed awfully awkwardly.

"He was able to get up and walk...we were really panicking. He will be getting care and attention, it was awful.

"To be honest, football becomes a very distant second when you see our skipper being injured in the manner he was and we hope he will be ok and it’s not as serious as it first looked.”