Danny Hodgson's parents have arrived in Australia and issued a public thank-you for the huge support they have received.

Nicola and Peter arrived safely in Perth just after 3pm local time on Singapore Airlines flight SQ223.

They thanked the airline and all those who helped securing them seats on the flight so they could travel to be with their son, who is critically ill in hospital after being the victim of an alleged unprovoked attack.

They will now complete the mandatory two-week Covid-19 quarantine period but are hoping to work with the authorities to arrange a visit to be with Danny on compassionate grounds.

In a statement issued by Danny's football club ECU Joondalup, Peter said: “There are so many people to thank, and we would like to start with our heartfelt appreciation for the dozens of voice and video messages from family, friends and even football superstars that we have received to play to Danny at his bedside.

“We are sure that they will help bring him round from his deep sleep and help his recovery.”

Danny's plight - the young Cumbrian is in an induced coma in Royal Perth Hospital - has seen huge waves of support from Cumbria, the UK, Australia and across the football community.

It followed a public appeal made by Nicola for help securing a flight in face of the restrictions on entering Western Australia.

His parents said the Western Australian community have been a massive support.

“Danny’s close friend Steve Burton, who created a Danny Hodgson recovery fund page, and our family, have managed to raise a massive amount of money to help Danny and his partner Jess through the long road to recovery,” said Nicola.

“The hospital has been constantly updating us on Danny’s condition and we believe he could not be in better hands at this moment, we are truly grateful."

Danny's partner Jess has been at his bedside ever since he was admitted to hospital.

“Constantly holding his hand and talking to him has kept him comforted. This has been a parent’s worst nightmare, but the love and support from everyone has given us strength," Nicola added.

“We believe Danny will come out of this, and sometime in the near future, his sister Abby and brother Joe, along with his nanna and Gary, can come and visit him at home.”

The statement added that Danny's family appreciates the ongoing media interest in their story and will issue an update on his condition and their plans moving forward in the coming days.

Danny was a talented junior footballer in his home village of Bigrigg, Egremont, and played for Cleator Moor Celtic before joining Carlisle United's academy.

He was a youth team player for the Blues before moving to Australia aged 18.

Many of his former team-mates have voiced their support for his cause, while high-profile footballers such as Manchester United's west Cumbrian goalkeeper Dean Henderson have donated to the fund which will go towards his recovery.

Henderson has contributed $5,000 while Everton's former Carlisle United defender Jarrad Branthwaite, 18, has added $2,000.

The GoFundMe page set up by Steve Burton had already raised more than $118,000 by Friday night.

Hodgson was seriously injured after an alleged unprovoked attack close to a train station in Perth on Saturday night, after having spent the day with team-mates.

A 15-year-old boy has been charged with grievous bodily harm and will appear in court in Perth on September 22.