FOR Oxford united fan Keeley Gomersall, having to spend extensive periods of time in hospital is simply part of life.

The 10-year-old was born with a bone deformity and has just endured another operation – this time to have a metal frame fitted to strengthen her right leg.

But a surprise visit from five of United’s top stars was the perfect remedy to put a smile on her face.

Her dad Ian Gomersall, a supermarket lorry driver, contacted the club to see if the U’s could do anything to cheer up his daughter, whose operation lasted six hours.

And he was delighted when Peter Rhoades-Brown, the club’s community officer, sent the first-team players to Tom’s Ward at the John Radcliffe’s Children’s Hospital to see her.

The players gathered around her bedside yesterday and signed team photos and football programmes.

Mr Gomersall, 42, from Sonning Common, said: “Keeley has had four operations on her leg, and on Tuesday she had her first operation at the Children’s Hospital.

“I was going to take her and her brother to see Oxford play Cheltenham, but we can’t go because she will still be in hospital, so this visit has really cheered her up.

“I am over the moon that a club like Oxford can do this.”

Keeley said: “I really enjoyed meeting the players. It was a lovely surprise.”

Her mum Susan, 37, and brother Daniel, 12, also met striker James Constable and team-mates Simon Clist, Harry Worley, Jake Wright and Ryan Clarke.

Defender Mr Wright, 24, a dad-of-one, said: “My son Roman is four and has had a few ear infections, but Keeley has had several operations already, which puts things into perspective.

“The staff at the Children’s Hospital do a great job and everyone in the area should support it.”

Mr Clist, a midfielder 29, added: “It is fun for the patients when we visit, particularly if they are football fans.”

Play specialist Rachel Hooper, 29, who works on Tom’s Ward, said: “It’s great when the players come here because it motivates the children and puts a smile on their faces.

“If the kids are in for a long time it is a nice surprise for them.

“It makes a big difference.”