AFC Telford's Mike Phenix fights back after crippling illness

But then doctors confirmed he was suffering from ulcerative colitis – the same condition as Manchester United's Darren Fletcher.

It causes cramps, abdominal and joint pain, fatigue and anaemia.

And after a spell on the sidelines again this season, the 24-year-old is back fighting fit and better than ever. He puts his return to form down to a healthy diet.

He said: "When I have a flare-up I get ulcers in my bowels and get tired a lot.

"But I have started working with a nutritionist and eating a lot better. I've just cut out all the processed food and bread. Now I mainly eat meat, fish, vegetables and rice.

"It's the same condition as Darren Fletcher from Manchester United, but it looks like he has had it worse than me because he was out for quite a while."

Mr Phenix was out for a month in December after suffering a flare-up of the condition – and it was this last spell that has made him reinvent his diet.

He made his comeback against Hednesford Town on Boxing Day, where he marked his return with a late equaliser.

He also scored in the return fixture at the Bucks Head on New Year's Day and he is now looking forward to a bright future in football.

He said: "Deep down I knew I wasn't fit but I kept trying and trying.

"In a strange way, it's a good thing that I have had this flare-up. I was getting cramps after 60 minutes of a match and my fitness just wasn't quite there.

"Since I had it I have completely changed my diet and now I am feeling really good and I feel like I can play a whole match and I'm fine."

Mr Phenix, who works as a manager at an alcohol wholesale company in Manchester, added: "My first flare-up was two-and-a-half years ago and my boss has been really supportive of me. He's like my best mate and he follows me around when I am playing football, so work have been great with me having the odd days off.

"Now I'm having to take steroids again. They should help me not to have flare-ups again but I think I'll probably be taking them for about 10 years."

He started his career at Hindsford in the Manchester Premier League, but had a trial at Notts County before moving to Droylsden, Skelmersdale and then finally on to Telford.

He said he now wants to focus on playing his football and keeping fit and just see where things go.

He said: "When I was told I had it, I never really thought about giving up.

"I just took it as it came. I had a trial at Notts County and have moved around a bit but now I'm here at Telford.

"I've scored a couple of goals since getting back so now I'm just looking forward.

"As long as I can continue to manage my condition there is no reason for me to stop playing."