The former Leicester and Tranmere forward, who is recovering from surgery on the fractured skull he suffered in a challenge with Sheffield United skipper Chris Morgan at Oakwell on October 19, was this week discharged from hospital for a second time after being readmitted on Monday with an infection.

The 25-year-old is now convalescing at home and despite his woe, he has still been finding the time to wish his team-mates well before games.

Defender Rob Kozluk revealed: "On Monday, Humey was put back in hospital for a slight infection, but we all know he wants us to do well . He texts us before every game and he's watching out for us and we want to do well for him.

"We're all supporting Humey. At the end of the day, Coulse (Michael Coulson) had a bad injury last year and so did Anderson (Da Silva). Whether anybody is injured or not, we all rally the troops here – although Humey's injury is different with it being his head."

Meanwhile, seething Barnsley boss Simon Davey has accused the Football Association of "big-club bias" following the decision not to punish ex-Barnsley defender Morgan for the challenge on Hume, who spent two nights in hospital following the incident.

Barnsley are considering legal action and claimed the FA would have acted if a more illustrious player had been the victim.

Davey said: "I am angry and disappointed.

"I think that they've let down Iain Hume badly and let down Barnsley Football Club.

"I think that had it been Cristiano Ronaldo, Alex Ferguson and Manchester United, the decision they gave would have been different."

Barnsley owner Patrick Cryne added: "The two people who should have been punished have got away with it.

"Chris Morgan is still playing football and Andy D'Urso is still refereeing.

"It has not ended for Iain Hume. He has suffered a serious injury which is career-threatening and was life-threatening.

"He and his advisers need to decide their next action. Barnsley Football Club has supported Iain throughout this and will continue to do so."

Meanwhile, Davey has plugged a striking gap left by Hume's devastating injury by signing Jamie Cureton on a three-month loan from Norwich City.

Cureton – who had been interesting South Yorkshire rivals Doncaster – has struggled for first-team football at Carrow Road this season and has started only three League games for the Canaries.