From oblivion to the glare of the television spotlight – Shropshire’s Sean Evans takes another big step in a remarkable comeback tonight.

The Ludlow-based ace seemed to be staring at the end of a promising career when, aged just 22, he suffered a horrific broken leg while playing for AFC Telford United in a pre-season friendly at Wolves.

Despite initial medical advice that he would never kick a ball again, the former Manchester United trainee, now 24, has confounded the experts to pull his boots on once again.

And, having returned to old club Stourbridge, he could be in for his biggest night yet this evening as they face League Two Plymouth Argyle in an FA Cup first round replay that is being screened live on ESPN (7.15 kick-off).

“I’ve been back at Stourbridge for three or four weeks now and it’s been an ideal time with all the FA Cup hype,” said Evans, who started at Shrewsbury before being whisked away to Old Trafford at the age of 15.

“It doesn’t feel like I’ve been away so it’s been nice for me.

“There were quite a few dark days, and even up to two months ago I didn’t know if I’d ever get back.

“But I had an operation to take the screw out of my leg and that was a total success – it’s been pain-free since then.”

Evans has scored three goals in five games since returning to Stourbridge but only got 15 minutes as a substitute as the Glassboys held Plymouth to a 3-3 draw at Home Park last week.

“It’s great for the lads and even if I’m not involved in the starting line-up, I will enjoy it,” added Evans.

“One lad, Aaron Drake, is suspended so there is a place in the team going – I think it’s probably between me and another lad, Josh Craddock.

“But Gary (Hackett, the Stourbridge manager) knows I’m still not 100 per cent so I know it’s touch and go.

“I can’t have any complaints if I’m not selected because I’ve played no part in getting Stourbridge to the first round.”