Former Preston North End loan player Jay McEveley has been nicknamed 'Lazarus' by Derby County team-mates after he nearly died on the operating table.
The left-back went into hospital for what should have been routine surgery to repair a fractured cheekbone, but his heart stopped beating for two minutes during the operation.
McEveley spent a month at Deepdale last season after North End found themselves short of left-backs.
Reflecting on his near-death experience, the 24-year-old, below, said: "It was supposed to be a routine operation to pull the cheekbone out but just before that my heart decided to stop on the operating table.
"I didn't realise until I woke up in intensive care when I was wired into machines.
"When they told me, it was a shock to say the least.
"I don't know if it was a reaction to the anaesthetic but I've had five
operations before and nothing has ever happened like that.
"I'm just happy to be here. I'm looking at life in a different light now.
"They've done loads of tests on my heart and I have now had the
all-clear.
"I went into training the next day and I think the lads were surprised to see me.
"When I returned they were calling me Lazarus!"
McEveley's Derby team-mates came under the scrutiny of Alan Irvine last night when they played Coventry City at Pride Park.
The PNE boss took a detour to the East Midlands on his way to Watford to run the rule over the Rams, who visit Deepdale next month.
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