Soccer boss Brian Clough has left hospital just three weeks after his life-saving liver transplant.

Clough was told he had just weeks to live after his heavy drinking left him with chronic liver cancer.

Doctors said his only option for the 67-year-old was a new liver to replaced his diseased organ.

The doctor who performed the surgery revealed that his liver was riddled with cancer and was just eight weeks away from the "point of no return" before the operation.

Consultant Derek Manas said: "Three months ago we reached a decision that there was no other option for Brian but a liver transplant.

"The sclerosis of the liver due to his heavy drinking had led to the liver becoming cancerous.

"After performing the operation we can say that within two months without a transplant, we would have reached the point of no return and we would have not been able to perform an operation. He is a very lucky man."

Cloughie underwent an eight-hour transplant as an NHS patient at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital in the early hours of January 13.

He spent eight hours in surgery while his wife Barbara kept a vigil at her husband's bedside.

Clough was released on Sunday after his successful surgery and is said to be fit and well.

A spokeswoman for the Freeman said: "Mr Clough went home for a weekend visit on Friday. "He returned on Sunday for a check-up and was given the go-ahead by his doctor to go home and was officially discharged.

"We would to wish him well after his successful operation and hope he goes from strength to strength." .