HULL midfielder Ryan Mason – a close friend of Cherries star Adam Smith – was yesterday conscious and communicating following surgery on a fractured skull.

The 25-year-old England international received oxygen and was carried off following a clash of heads with Chelsea's Gary Cahill during Hull's 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge.

Smith and Mason forged their friendship in the youth ranks at Tottenham and there were widespread messages of support for the latter on Twitter following Sunday's sickening incident.

Defender Charlie Daniels – a club-mate of Mason's at Spurs – and Cherries team-mate Tyrone Mings were among those to tweet.

Mason underwent an operation at St Mary's Hospital in London on Sunday night and was visited by Hull club captain Michael Dawson and three Tigers officials yesterday.

A Hull statement said: "Ryan has been speaking of the incident and will continue to be monitored at the hospital over the coming days where the club will remain in close contact with Ryan, his family and the staff at St Mary's."

Cahill, Chelsea club captain John Terry and assistant boss Steve Holland visited the hospital on Sunday to check on Mason's well-being.