CAMERON Brannagan hopes his positive approach to dealing with a traumatic month can help others going through difficult moments.

The Oxford United midfielder had a frightening time after doctors warned inflammation behind his eyes could lead to permanent blindness.

Fortunately his rare condition was correctly diagnosed, saving the sight in one eye, while steroids are steadily improving vision in the other.

It would be a hugely difficult situation for anyone to deal with, but Brannagan thinks an upbeat outlook has helped get him this far.

He said: “I put a little post up (on social media) the other day about having a strong mindset.

“No matter what, you’ve got to think of a positive in a bad situation.

“Even if it’s the worst of the worst, it can be so hard at times.”

His inspiration has come in many forms, including from mixed martial artist Conor McGregor.

“His mindset is the best of the best, it’s elite,” Brannagan said.

“I watch a lot of things on different people and take stuff from it.

“There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel and at some stage something good will happen.

“That’s the way I look at it.

“Now I’m in a process. I was on the floor, I‘ve got myself back up and I’m working towards getting back fit and I’m looking positively again.

“I feel I’m going to get better. I tell myself every day it’s going to get better.

“I tell myself I’m lucky to see my family.

“I’m just thankful and I totally believe you’ve got to be positive, no matter what.”

He added: “I’m always up for a bit of a fight so I was never just going to lie down.”

Few footballers are more in love with the game than Brannagan, but the last few weeks have served as a reminder of what is truly important.

He said: “If the worst comes to then worst and I don’t get full sight back in my left eye then I’ve got my right eye.

“I can still see things. I look at it that way and count my blessings.

“I’m really lucky.”

Huge progress has been made in the past month since he first went to hospital with blurred vision.

It is hoped the treatment which has been working will continue to improve the sight in the former Liverpool trainee’s left eye.

But even if things stay as they are, Brannagan is confident of being able to resume his career.

He said: “There’s no way I would be hanging my boots up and saying I’m never going to play again. I’m 100 per cent playing again.

“It might take a bit of time to get used to.

“I’m not thinking like that, I’m telling myself it’s going to be better again. I’m fully confident.

“It might take a bit of time. I’ve got a bit of running to do, keeping fit will keep my mind busy.

“I’m just looking forward to kicking a ball again.”

After weeks of inactivity, when he is able to restart training it will be a long slog to regain fitness.

But given what he has gone through, Brannagan cannot wait.

He said: “Amy (Cranston, U’s physio) has explained it is going to be tough to get back fit, but from where I was it’s a massive improvement.

“It’s a step on the right path.”