Dundee United midfielder Prince Buaben has been diagnosed with malaria following an extended stay in his Ghana homeland. "I can't believe I picked up malaria. It has been quite a big shock."

He added: "I went away with the national team and they gave me some pills, which I took.

"But I stayed on in Ghana for a while after the football was finished and I didn't have any more pills to take so it seems my protection ran out."

The 21-year-old recovered sufficiently to join United on their pre-season tour of Ireland, although he has not returned to full training.

The former Ajax youngster added: "I was feeling dizzy then one minute I would be feeling hot, the next I was freezing cold.

"I played in a friendly against Stirling last weekend and had to come off before half-time because I had no energy and felt sick.

"It is a serious disease and I hear you can die from it but now we know what it is and I have the correct tablets I will be fine."