Several events in the sporting world in the last couple of weeks really brought home to me how a sportsman's life can change overnight, sometimes for the better and sometimes sadly not.

News of three of our local heroes who received international call ups illustrated the bright side of playing sport. 17-year-old Abby Blackburn, who plays for Mowden Park, will become an England Rugby international when she joins the squad to face Wales and two Newcastle Vipers ice hockey players, at opposite ends of their careers, are also celebrating international honours.

Teenage winger Stephen Wallace, who learnt his trade through the ranks at Billingham and was top scorer in the recent Under-19's World Championships, joins veteran of 15 years professional ice hockey Simon Leach in winning a first cap for Great Britain. Well done to all three.

On the down side Middlesbrough's young centre back Andrew Davies suffered a double leg break in a reserve match last week. The highly promising England Under 21 international has made several Premiership appearances this season and is tipped to be a star of the senior England team in the future. A lot of hard work lies ahead for Andrew and the back room staff at Middlesbrough but I am confident he will come back stronger than ever.

Another talented youngster, Stockton prop Ben Jenkinson also suffered a serious injury whilst playing the sport he loves. Ben suffered a broken neck and has undergone surgery to fuse two vertebrae in his neck.

Both players will need considerable mental, as well as physical strength, to overcome their current problems. Both however have role models in their own sport to inspire them to a full recovery. Former Boro manager Bryan Robson broke his leg on more than one occasion during his illustrious and long playing career and England Rugby stalwart Jason Leonard suffered a similar injury to Ben when he was around the same age.

Best wishes go to both lads and I hope they will both be back playing before too long.

Sadly, it is not only players who suffer injury or worse. Condolences go to the family of the gentleman killed by flying debris outside Leicester's Walker Stadium on Saturday. Sometimes life puts sport into perspective and this is one of those occasions.

Don't forget to join me and the rest of the team this Saturday on 96.6tfm as Boro travel down the M62 to take on Everton, Pools entertain Brentford in an effort to consolidate their play off position and Darlington play host to high flying Torquay United. The fun starts with Ditchy, myself and Terry Cochrane at twelve then we get down to the serious business live from all the local games from 2pm. Finally call Tom Davies to chew over the day's games from 5pm.