FOREST GREEN captain Mike Fowler is remaining optimistic despite being told he may never play again.

The 27-year-old midfielder sustained a horrific triple ankle fracture, dislocation and ligament damage during Saturday’s 0-0 pre-season friendly against Exeter City.

He was driven from the ground to Stroud Hospital before being taken to Gloucester Royal, where he is now expected to remain before a further transfer to Cardiff ahead of an operation to insert metal plates into his ankle.

Fowler, who spoke to the Gazette on Sunday, said: “I was first told I would be out for three months and then a year and now the doctors say I may never play again. If that happens then so be it. I’ve been playing for 12 years and been very fortunate and will take it on the chin.”

Fowler, who only joined Rovers from Salisbury City last month, has been overwhelmed by the support he has received.

Torquay United defender Chris Todd, who fought a successful battle against leukemia last year and played alongside Fowler at Salisbury, was among those first to get in touch.

Fowler said: “Chris and I go back along way and what he went through puts my injury into perspective - it’s only my career at stake, not my life.”

His brother Lee, and former Forest Green boss Tim Harris have been at his bedside this week.

Lee was looking forward to facing his brother when he returns to his old club with Kettering for the season’s curtain raiser on Saturday.

He said: “I am gutted for Mike and Forest Green.”

u ANYONE wishing to send a card or message to Mike is asked to send them to : Mike Fowler, Forest Green Rovers, The New Lawn, Smiths Way, Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, GL6 0FG.