Mackay-Steven sends out emotional Instagram message thanking fans and medics

Gary Mackay-Steven has returned to social media for the first time since being knocked out cold at the Betfred Cup Final.

The Aberdeen winger suffered a clash of heads with Dedryck Boyata during the first half of the match with the game held up for six minutes as he received treatment.

View this post on Instagram

So Sunday never turned out the way I hoped but I feel very fortunate writing this. Firstly, a massive thank you to the Aberdeen FC medical team, Adam, Tony, Stuart and Gary who assisted me on the pitch rapidly and expertly. Thank you to the first responders at Hampden Park and every single paramedic, doctor and nurse that seen me at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. Lastly, I would like to thank every single person that has taken the time to send lovely messages and well wishes. I appreciate them all. I’m continuing to improve everyday but hopefully it won’t be long until I can be back out on the pitch.

A post shared by Gary Mackay-Steven (@gary__11) on Dec 7, 2018 at 3:38am PST

There were real fears for his health before he regained consciousness before being transferred to hospital where he was detained overnight.

Aberdeen’s medical team will now monitor his fitness before deciding when he can return to fitness then consider playing again.

Mackay-Steven has been Aberdeen’s most effective player this season, forcing his way into the Scotland side.

With his contract expiring at the end of this season it seems likely that he will quit Pittodrie to try his luck in England where he had a spell with Liverpool as a teenager before returning to Scotland.