CLARETS goal-scoring legend Willie Irvine is back home and recovering from a fractured skull and several other broken bones suffered in an accident in May.

The 76-year-old underwent a major brain operation and spent several weeks in hospital after falling down the stairs at his Worsthorne house.

His eldest son Darren said: “My father is home and recovering well.

“Dad is far better than we expected and is getting out.

“His body has recovered amazingly well. Physically he is 100 per cent but the brain obviously takes a bit longer.

“To see him, you wouldn’t know he’d had the fall.

“When the physiotherapist came to see him recently, he said he couldn’t believe it was the same man he’d seen a few weeks before. It must be all that training he did as a player.

“We’re getting him out and about a bit. My mother Rita is ecstatic to have him home.

“After the Royal Preston Hospital, he spent a few weeks in Burnley General’s Rakehead Rehabilitation Centre. I, my mother and my brothers Jonathan and Stephen would like to thank all the staff at both hospitals for their amazing work with my dad.”

Darren Bentley, Burnley FC media manager, said: “It’s fantastic news to hear about Willie’s recovery.

“Everyone at the club is wishing him the best and hoping he makes a full recovery. We’re looking forward to seeing him back at Turf Moor.”

Mr Irvine senior played 126 times for Burnley FC between 1960 and 1968 forming a prolific goal-scoring partnership with Andy Lochhead.

The Northern Ireland international player and former Lancashire Telegraph columnist, scored 78 goals for the Clarets and eight for his country in 23 appearances.

After leaving Turf Moor he played for Preston North End, Brighton and Hove Albion, and Halifax Town.