A TEENAGE footballer remained critically ill in hospital last night after a hit-and-run driver left him for dead on a city street.

Promising centre-forward Matthew McDermott, 18, was walking across Dale Street when he was struck by a car.

Better known as Matty, the West Derby teenager remains in a critical but stable condition at Walton Neurological Centre.

He was struck and seriously hurt in the early hours of Sunday morning following a night out with his girlfriend.

The driver sped away from the scene and the car was later found abandoned in Kremlin Drive, West Derby.

Merseyside Police have arrested a 42-year-old man on suspicion of failing to stop after a road traffic accident.

He was bailed until September pending further enquiries.

Last season Matty played for the city’s recently-formed semi-pro club AFC Liverpool.

AFC Liverpool bosses yesterday paid tribute to the battling qualities of the player and said they were praying for a full recovery.

Matty performed impressively for the reserve team and was on the verge of a starting place in the senior side.

As a mark of respect AFC Liverpool cancelled last night’s pre-season friendly against Bootle.