Defender Ross will be keeping eye on ball in more ways than one

Torquay United defender Ross Marshall had no idea that his eyesight was sub-standard, but now he's hoping that surgery during the summer will help to galvanise his form and confidence.

Marshall also stresses to both Gulls team-mates and the general public: "Never take your eyesight for granted. If you're in any doubt, get your eyes tested."

Marshall, 23, has made more than 100 senior appearances for Maidstone United, Stevenage and Torquay, where he played 30 games last season.

His start at Plainmoor was marred by bookings in his first four matches and two sendings-off.

"I never thought there was anything wrong with my eyes. Your sight is something you get used to - you just think it's normal," said Marshall.

It was during United's 3-2 defeat at Dorking Wanderers last February that he wondered if there might be something wrong.

"The floodlights at Dorking weren't great and I thought it might be something to do with that, but I was struggling to see clearly and I asked several of the other lads if they were having problems with the lights," he recalled.

When he eventually underwent tests, it emerged that Marshall had corneal problems in his eyes, saying: "My left one was really bad."

A specialist in Bristol operated during the close-season and Marshall says the results have been remarkable.

With contact lenses as added assistance, he reports: "I couldn't believe how far I could see so clearly.

"I'm amazed how I played all that time the way I was."

Marshall is not the first United player whose career has been boosted by improved eyesight in recent years.

Manager Gary Johnson questioned the timing of Kyle Cameron's heading, eventually prompting the Newcastle-born defender, reluctant at first, to have his eyes tested.

Fitted with contact lenses, Cameron's vision and confidence improved markedly.

After playing a key role in the Gulls' run to the NL Play-Off Final in 2021, he's just captained Notts County to promotion back to the Football League.

Cameron also persuaded his friend, goalkeeper Shaun MacDonald, to do the same, with similar results.

Meanwhile, Marshall is now back in training with the Gulls and looking forward to a much clearer future.