Dr Dorrian's prescription is for the Priaulx title

WHEN North star Matt Dorrian is not wearing his football boots, you're more likely to find him with a stethoscope round his neck. The 30-year-old midfielder is unique - he's a doctor and a Priaulx footballer.

Having returned to the island in July after 10 years in the UK where he qualified as a GP, he has been a regular for the Mick Le Prevost-coached side which sits at the top of the table with an Upton on the horizon.

Dr Doz, as he is known by his teammates, has been enjoying himself.

'It's good, but it's been quite difficult with work commitments as well,' he said.

'It's been hectic and it's been quite difficult to make training, but Mick has been quite good about it.'

After studying medicine at Leeds University, the Sarnian completed his training and worked in Leeds and Nottingham.

During that time he turned out for Leicestershire outfit Shepshed Dynamo in the Unibond League.

'They've got an exotic name but they weren't that good,' said Dorrian.

Before he left the island at the age of 18 to further his studies, Dorrian had come through the junior ranks at Northfield.

He had one season with Vale Rec, and did turn out a few times for the North Priaulx side before heading off to study in Leeds.

Now back in the chocolate-and-blue strip after more than eight years away, Dorrian finds his club leading the way in the league ahead of Bels in second place.

They beat the reigning champions 4-3 the last time they played in November, after being behind 3-0 at half time.

He believes that their first Priaulx title since 1992 is theirs for the taking.

'It's up to us really,' he said. 'We're in a great position but the next couple of weeks are crucial. Psychologically, coming back from 3-0 down against Bels was massive.

'They are a great team and funnily enough I came off and we won 4-3. That made a big difference for us.

'Our big bonus is that we're always going to score goals. We've got great attacking players.'

Dorrian started the season in the centre of midfield but now finds himself at right back with the likes of Gavin Le Page, Alex Le Prevost and Darren Martin available to take up the central role.

Coach Le Prevost has nothing but praise for his defensive medic.

'I've only known him a few months, but he's a lovely bloke,' he said.

'He's a very fit player and at the moment he's playing some good football as well. He runs all the time during the match.

'I'm very pleased he's involved. He's done well since he's come back and I'm very pleased with him.'

When you watch Dorrian play, you cannot help but notice how fit he is. He never stops running.

And running is something he likes doing. He estimates that he does between 40 and 60 miles on the roads a week.

'Because of work commitments I can't get to some training, so I try and go for a run every day,' he said.