[goldenHuddlestone]

Former Wales and Manchester United footballer Mickey Thomas has been discharged from Wythenshawe hospital after falling at Manchester airport. It was initially thought he may have broken a rib, but a check at the hospital found minor injuries only. Thomas was about to board a flight to Copenhagen at 1000 GMT with the Manchester United team when he fell. The winger won 51 caps for Wales and scored the winning goal in Wrexhams famous 1992 FA Cup win over Arsenal.

An airport spokesman he slipped on stairs as he left the terminal building. He was advised not to fly to the Champions League game in Denmark with the team after it was suspected he may have broken a rib. A Wythenshawe Hospital spokeswoman said Thomas had been admitted to the accident and emergency ward. "He was slightly hurt but suffered no serious injuries," she said, adding he was later discharged.

Greater Manchester Ambulance Service said crews were called to the airport following reports that a man had injured his back. Thomas, from Mochdre in Conwy, played for numerous clubs including Everton, Brighton, Stoke and Chelsea during three decades in the professional game. He played 110 games and scored 15 goals for Manchester United and also had two spells at Wrexham at the beginning and end of his playing career. Thomas currently works as a TV and radio football pundit.