Billy Kee has thanked fans for their messages of support as he continues his battle against depression, anxiety and bulimia.
The Accrington Stanley forward - who has been receiving treatment - hasn't played this season.
His club reported back in July that Kee had not reported back to pre-season for "personal reasons".
The 28-year-old - who was capped for Northern Ireland at Under 19 and 21 level - has scored 74 goals for the League One side since rejoining them from Scunthorpe in June 2015.
Accrington said in a statement: "Billy Kee would like to thank everyone for their ongoing messages of support as he battles depression, anxiety and bulimia.
"The striker has spoken out over the years about his ongoing issues but over the summer he has deteriorated and has been unable to return to play football for the Reds this season.
"He is currently undergoing specialist treatment and the club is doing what it can to support Billy, who has been an integral part of the side both on and off the pitch for a number of years."
Kee helped Accrington create a little piece of history last year when he scored two goals to help the club secure automatic promotion to League One after beating Yeovil 2-0 at the Wham Stadium.
Last year Kee spoke openly about his struggle with anxiety and depression in an interview with the BBC.
"I was rocking on the bed crying, and I wasn't enjoying it. I wanted to quit," he said.
"I was low at the time and you start thinking: 'Will I just drive my car into a wall?'. I thought, that's it, that's me done.
"Why is someone with the best job in the world going to kill themselves? It doesn't make sense."
You can watch his full interview here:
Keep up-to-date with all the very latest news, what's on, sport and everything else in Belfast and beyond with the Belfast Live app.
Only select news that interests you by picking the topics you want to display on the app's homepage. Plus, our enhanced user experience includes live blogs, video, interactive maps and slick picture galleries. Download it now and get involved.
Click here to get it from the App Store or here for Google Play .
