Kieran Phillips signed his first professional contract at Everton this week just three years after fears he would not walk again.
Phillips, 19, suffered a double knee fracture that damaged both cartilage and bone. At one point surgeons were concerned his knee would collapse completely.
The striker, who joined Everton at under-13 level, spent an astounding 750 days on the treatment table - two-and-a-half years - before making his return for the under-18s.
Phillips' remarkable recovery continued as he went on to score two goals in his full comeback outing before adding a hat-trick in a win over Manchester City. He also captained Paul Tait's side.
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He is now aiming to catch the eye of David Unsworth and make a mark for Everton under-23s after bagging an impressive 12 goals in 11 appearances in the U18 Premier League North last season.
"I’m so happy to sign a first pro contract for a big club with such a great history,” Phillips told evertonfc.com this week.
“It’s a great place to be as a young player. We’ve got a very good bunch of lads. Training is intense and we are all striving to make each other better.
"The coaches are brilliant, too. They push you to be your best.
“This season, I want to keep developing and try to play as many games as I can for the under-23s.”
