England U21 hockey international James Gall is progressing well after an accident left him with a fractured skull and fractured spine at the weekend.

The 20-year-old former Surbiton Hockey Club star suffered serious injuries - including severe swelling to the brain – following a 12-foot fall in Surbiton on Saturday morning.

Nottingham University economics student Gall, who quit Sugden Road for Beeston last summer, was taken to the Trauma Centre at St George’s Hospital, Tooting, where he was placed in an induced coma for 36 hours following the incident.

He has since been transferred to intensive care where he is likely to remain until Monday.

“James wakes up for about two minutes every hour when he is able to talk clearly, recognise his family and has even walked,” said dad Iain in a statement earlier this week.

“He is breathing unaided.

“He is still in intensive care, but signs are positive. He even told mum not to be so condescending.

“Here’s hoping for a full recovery.”

James’ brother Jonny, an England Under-21 captain, still plays for Surbiton.

In a statement, the club said: “Our thoughts and best wishes are with the Gall family at this time. Get well soon Jamma.”

“It’s shocking,” added a Beeston spokesman.

“Our fingers are crossed for him.”

England assistant coach Jon Bleby told the Daily Express: “We are aware James Gall was taken to hospital after an accident at the weekend.

“He's a fighter on the pitch and we wish him well and hope he has a speedy recovery. Our thoughts are with him and his family.”