O’Donnell has date for career saving operation

The 23-year-old recently revealed on Twitter that it was doubtful he would ever play again due to suffering from Sesamoiditis, a condition which causes inflammation in the bones under his toes.

With parent club Gateshead refusing to pay for his treatment, expected to cost around £7,000, fans from both Luton and the Tynesiders clubbed together and set on an online donation page.

Premier League footballer Danny Graham, who was born in Gateshead and currently plays for Sunderland, also sent over £2,690 to help fund the operation and O’Donnell tweeted yesterday: “WE HAVE AN OPERATION!

“Monday 1st June shall be the day that all your support and donations will give me the chance to play again!

“Truly, am still so overwhelmed at what everyone has done for me. I’m able to have this career saving operation due to everyone’s kindness and generosity!

“YOU’VE GIVEN ME A CHANCE, THANKYOU!!”

On the supporters who have clubbed together to help him, O’Donnell, who played 51 times for Luton, scoring three goals also said: “I’m truly astonished with the response since then, with you as football fans, supporters and fellow players giving me amazing support and generosity in giving me a chance to play again.

“I’ll forever be in great debt and appreciation to every single penny that’s been donated to help me!!

“If I could thank you all face to face then I would delightfully do so.”