Graham Dorrans' daughter shows signs of recovery

The daughter of West Bromwich Albion star Graham Dorrans is starting to show signs of recovery from meningitis, his wife has told friends and followers on Twitter.

The couple are suffering a second baby agony as their three-month old daughter was rushed to hospital with the disease at the weekend. The Baggies midfielder and his wife Yvonne have spent this week at the bedside of little Ava who is in intensive care.

The youngster was rushed to hospital on Friday, and Dorrans withdrew from a pre-season friendly with Nottingham Forest to be with her.

Only two years ago the couple lost baby daughter Logan, and Yvonne has been tirelessly fundraising for the charity Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity. She is due to do a 10,000ft skydive to raise funds for the charity on September 17.

The young mother has thanked everyone for their support on the micro blogging site Twitter, and revealed her daughter is showing signs of recovery.

She said: "Thanks everyone for your messages of support. Ava's still in intensive care but she's stable and taking good steps forward."

She added: "thank u, she's a wee fighter."

The footballer also thanked fans. He tweeted: "Would just like to thank every1 for your support and messages they have been great through this tough time. Thank you! "

Friend Danielle Lloyd, the wife of Wolves midfielder Jamie O'Hara sent the family a message of support on the site.

She tweeted: "Sending lots of love to my friend @YvonneDorrans & her family there little Ava in hospital with meningitis #pray4Ava xxx"

Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord and can be deadly. Babies and young children are more at risk because their bodies' defences are not developed.

Baggies boss Steve Clarke has said he will not push the Scotland international to make himself available for the game against Liverpool at the weekend. He said yesterday: "I've given Graham a bit of time and space."