A two-year-old Sheffield girl whose appeal for a lifesaving liver donor was backed by Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell is recovering today after undergoing a transplant.

Niamh Coyne underwent 10 hours of surgery at St James's Hospital, Leeds to replace her liver after a donor was found yesterday following a global appeal to find a match.

News that a donor had been found came during at special football match at Sheffield United's Shirecliffe Academy between supporters of the Blades and the Owls to raise money for research into her condition.

Mr Blackwell said: "We are delighted to hear that a donor came forward to help Niamh and that our involvement has highlighted her cause. Hopefully she will soon be on the mend and we'd be thrilled to see her down at the Lane soon."

Niamh's parents Hannah Wilkins and Rob Coyne, from Woodseats, were with their daughter throughout the operation which ended in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Niamh has battled health problems since birth and has spent most of her short life in the Children's Hospital. She was transferred to St James when her health deteriorated.

Niamh's parents launched their appeal - backed by Kevin Blackwell after he and the United players met Niamh during a visit to the hospital - after doctors said it was her only hope of survival.

Her aunt Sarah Coyne was attending a special football match between supporters of Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United to raise money for research into the condition, when she received the news that a donor had been found.

She said: "The fundraising football match played at United's Academy was a massive success. It's been a really great weekend. Thanks to the lads who played, family and friends and the nurses and doctors from the Children's - it's been a completely brilliant weekend."