Star striker Mark Farren awaits brain tumour news

Mark Farren has been playing with a brain tumour

The striker who scored the winner as Derry City won the Airtricity first division on Saturday, may have to put his career on hold due to health fears.

Mark Farren has been playing with a low grade brain tumour since being diagnosed last year.

He is set to meet with medical specialists to determine if he can continue his career.

The County Donegal man said he hopes to return to football at some point in the future.

"I don't really know what's going to happen to me next, the next couple of months is going to be big for me," he said.

"Hopefully, I will be back in a Derry City shirt, but who knows, it's all out there, I don't really know anything for sure yet.

"I just hope that one day I can return and play for Derry again.

"I've got a lot of stuff to figure out in the next couple of weeks and find out - I've got to speak to a lot of people."

Derrry City manager Stephen Kenny said he was full of admiration for the player, who was diagnosed with a benign tumour.

"I've never heard of anyone playing with a tumour in his brain - very, very courageous. I've never come across it in any sport," he said

"Twenty goals (in the season) and he's had to deal with so much going through his mind about his future health, never mind his footballing career.

Derry City manager Stephen Kenny celebrates winning the division

"He's been unbelievably courageous, I don't think people realise how brave he's been, although certainly all the players do.

"He's a credit to himself and his family."

Derry were kicked out of the Republic's premier league last year for breaching league regulations on players' contracts.

They finished the campaign three points ahead of second-placed Waterford United after Saturday night's victory over Monagahan.

It means a return to the premier league next season.