Newcastle Jets goalkeeper Neil Young has revealed just how close to death he really was after a complication with antibiotics during last season.

The 30-year old suffered a broken nose in January but an antibiotic he took after the incident affected his internal organs forcing doctors to remove one of his intestines.

Young lost 22kilograms during the time he was ill and said he was very close to death during his ordeal.

"I spent eight weeks in hospital with half that time in intensive care. They basically said I was pretty much dead," Young said.

"My white blood cells stopped producing and my bone marrow stopped, so I was as close to that [death] as I could be.

"Things went downhill pretty quickly. It was pretty scary to be honest with you. Losing all that body weight and not being able to stand up and having to use a walking frame.

"That was the worst part of it, I suppose."

But Young said all the bad stuff is behind him and he is now working hard to grab the number one spot at the Jets which is currently held by Ben Kennedy.

"It's not good but it's another challenge for me. It's just a bigger challenge than last year, that's all," he added.

"Like last season, I'm starting from behind and trying to get my spot back."