Forfar’s Martyn Fotheringham admits the thought of team-mate Rab Douglas giving him the kiss of life was more frightening than the heart scare he suffered on Saturday.
The long-serving midfielder had to be taken to hospital after his heartbeat started racing when he came on as a substitute during the derby with Brechin at Station Park.
Thankfully, he was given the all-clear and feels fit and ready to play if selected by boss Dick Campbell for tonight’s league game at Stranraer.
He said: “I had hardly started running when I felt my heart start to race. I was also short of breath and my eyesight was fuzzy.
“I asked the ref if he could stop the game and he was good enough to do so right away. The physio came on and the club doctor also had a look at me.
“I actually tried to get back on but Mark Baxter told me in no uncertain terms that I couldn’t, and big Rab admitted he thought he was going to have to spit his chewing gum out and give me mouth-to-mouth!
“Thankfully, that wasn’t necessary but I just didn’t know what was happening.”
The majority of the crowd were unaware of the health drama, but the incident has served to highlight the importance of medical cover at sporting events.
Club doctors Guy and Sue Woodroffe were both at the ground and although the player soon recovered he took their advice to go to Ninewells Hospital, and was given the all-clear after being driven there by his wife.
Medical cover is a requirement of the club licence, and a defibrillator is also part of the Station Park emergency equipment.
Loons chairman Alistair Donald said: “Initially we thought it was a head knock and it was only later we learned what the issue had been.
“I texted Martyn later on Saturday night and he confirmed he was fine, which we were obviously pleased to hear.”
Fotheringham added: “The doc got me off the pitch and after 10 minutes or so my heartbeat slowed down. However, my wife drove me to Ninewells Hospital to get checked out.
“They did a few tests and the specialist told me that everything seemed fine, but if it happens again they will investigate further.
“I have never had any problems like that in the past, and I have to admit it gave me a bit of a fright.
“I am also still up for the long trip to Stranraer. Of course, after what happened, it has given the gaffer the perfect excuse to leave me out, but I’m desperate to play.
He added: “The play-offs are not out of our reach and I believe we can get there if we can find a level of consistency.”
Neil McCabe, Dale Hilson and Stuart Malcolm are all injury doubts for tonight’s game.