AFC Telford United midfielder Jamie Vermiglio is looking forward to pulling on his boots again – after being told his broken back is NOT career ending.

The 26-year-old’s future had looked bleak after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in his spine last month, the consultant telling him he should quit playing with immediate effect.

But Vermiglio refused to accept that advice, and a trip to see specialist Dai Rees at the Oswestry Orthopaedic Hospital appears to have paid dividends.

He has now been told the fracture in his spine is not in a weight-bearing area and could have been there since he was aged just 15.

The pain in his legs has in fact been caused by a slipped disc which has bulged, and Mr Rees has advised the Bucks ace that there are various treatment options open to him.

“It’s been a rollercoaster last month or so,” Vermiglio admitted. “Speaking to the doctor was unbelievable because it put my mind at rest.

“He was absolutely brilliant, and when you know someone is good, it makes you feel really comfortable.

“I’m not blaming the other doctor, because he was just giving me his opinion and I don’t want to be negative about him. It makes you think, though – if I’d taken his advice I’d be retired now.

“It’s lifted a massive weight off my shoulders and I must have been shaking Mr Rees’ hand for about 20 minutes.”

Vermiglio insists he could even be back playing before the end of the season, and admits the prospect of taking part in the Blue Square North play-offs would be a big incentive.

Options for treatment range from rest to a course of injections or, as a last resort, surgery to correct the problem.

And he revealed: “I believe you can have an epidural injection that can ease the pain and even help to cure it as well.

“The majority of people I’ve spoken to are saying I should rest it for now and get ready for next season, but I’m not ruling anything in or out.

“If there’s a chance of being involved in the play-offs then you never know.

“My contract runs out at the end of the season and I’ve had an injury-plagued couple of years at Telford, so I’ve got to prove I can get back fit if I want to stay.”