A RISING Gwent football star was left fighting for his life after suffering serious injuries in a freak accident during a match.

Rhys Williams, 15, needed a five-hour operation after his bowels were crushed when he collided with another player.

The Abersychan Comprehensive School pupil - who has just been offered a scholarship with Swansea City - was playing for Swansea City under-17s on Sunday when he collided with the rival team's goalkeeper and suffered a blow to the stomach.

Star striker Rhys, of Blaenavon, who expected to be taken on by the third division club after finishing his GCSEs this summer, was airlifted to Swansea's Morriston Hospital and put on a life support machine before undergoing surgery.

He is now recovering from the operation and his parents were last night at his hospital bedside.

Rhys' PE teacher, Chris Mallett, told the Argus: "His dad, Dave, told me at one point they thought they might lose him."

But Rhys is now out of intensive care and recovering. His scholarship with Swansea is also safe.

Mr Mallett said Rhys is "outstanding" at sport. "He's just marvellous," he said. "Outstanding at all sports, not just football. He's outstanding at rugby, too."

Last sports day Rhys was awarded the top prize, the Victor Laudorum. Mr Mallett said: "He's an outstanding athlete. He's captain of the school football team and they've just reached the final stage of the schools cup. "The team is built around him."

Rhys told his teacher he wanted to become a professional footballer. Mr Mallett said: "He's been working really hard with Swansea City. He's so superfit."

The school is planning a gift for Rhys and supporting his parents.