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MICHAEL Jackson lines up in his sixth poorpool-Preston derby tomorrow - his first in a Tangerine shirt.

But what most people don't know is that he's fortunate to have played in any.

In fact if it wasn't for Jackson's Michael jackson own powers of determination and self-motivation, he would never have become a professional footballer.

Not many know it but 20 years ago Jackson's career as a footballer was almost over before it had begun.

Aged 14 he was diagnosed with a serious back problem, and told that without surgery he would have to give up football for good.

The timing wasn't good. Not only was he at that awkward age where setbacks are hard to cope with, but he had just been offered a three-year place at Lilleshall, the national football school.

But instead of rubbing shoulders with other up-and-coming young footballers, Jackson instead had to undergo a gruelling operation.

Not only did he spend 18 months out of the game, he was forced to return to school wearing a back brace and carrying a walking stick. He even had to carry around a litter-picking device because he couldn't bend down to pick things up.