Player's hopes after operation

The father of a footballer who made his name as a youth player at Fakenham Town before going on to play professionally last night spoke of his son's hope for the future after successfully undergoing an operation to remove a testicular cancer.

The father of a footballer who made his name as a youth player at Fakenham Town before going on to play professionally last night spoke of his son's hope for the future after successfully undergoing an operation to remove a testicular cancer.

Adam Tann, who grew up in Fakenham, began his career playing for the local side before going onto Cambridge and then Leyton Orient.

The 24 year-old had the operation on Monday and surgeons are optimistic that as the tumour was caught early Mr Tann should not need further surgery. His father John, who still lives in Fakenham, had made the journey to London yesterday to visit his son and check on his recovery.

Mr Tann said: "He's in good hands in London and should get his results back in two days. He is comfortable and looking forward to the future."

Adam had gone to the Orient doctor and physio about the lump last week, and a scan revealed it was a tumour.

Vice chairman of Fakenham Town Paul Wright said: "We would like to send our good wishes to Adam and to wish him a speedy recovery.

Orient manager Martin Ling told the club's official website: "The most important issue at this moment is Adam's health, and we wish him a speedy recovery. Adam has been told he should be positive, because the success rate for overcoming this type of cancer is very, very high."

The disease is common in young men of footballing age. In 2003 a Keep Your Eye On The Ball campaign was backed by England coach Sven Goran Eriksson.