Livingston goalkeeper Daniel Barden has revealed he has been diagnosed with testicular cancer.
Parent club Norwich have stated that he has undergone follow up tests while on loan in the Scottish Premiership.
The 20-year-old will now spend a period away from the game following his diagnosis and while undergoing follow up treatments.
The Welshman has made one appearance so far for the Lions since signing for club in the summer, in the Premier Sports Cup win over Cowdenbeath.
In a statement on the Norwich website, Barden said: “It has been a very difficult and challenging period, but the support of my family, friends and colleagues has helped get me through the last few weeks.
“I can’t thank the medical departments at both Norwich and Livingston enough, as well as everyone at the Royal Marsden Hospital.
"The speed at which everything has moved has been crazy, but everyone has been absolutely brilliant with me. Both Daniel Farke and the Livingston manager, David Martindale, have also been very supportive.
“The initial diagnosis was a real shock for me, but the positive thing is that we’ve caught it early and the prognosis and next steps have all been positive.
“I’m optimistic and have a positive mindset. I’m confident that I’ll be able to beat it and that I’ll be back out there doing what I love soon.
“I’d like to thank everyone around me for their support. I know that the coming period will be challenging and would ask for privacy for me and my family at this stage. Where possible, I’ll do what I can to update on my progress.
“Thank you once again for the support. See everyone soon.”
Norwich City sporting director Stuart Webber continued: “Dan is part of our family and we look out for our own. He knows we are with him every step of the way.
“The care and attention Dan has had so far has been top class. We thank everyone who has looked out for him and we are grateful for Livingston for acting on Dan’s symptoms and alerting us.”
A Livingston statement added: "It goes without saying but we give Dan our full love, support and best wishes in his recovery and will assist where we can at every step of the way.
"As and when Dan shares any progress, we’ll be sure to pass that on."
