A TRAILBLAZING footballer has told how tucking into a post-match meal after winning the unofficial Women's World Cup almost led to her death.

Rose Reilly played 10 times for Scotland and went on to earn 22 caps for Italy while also starring for club side AC Milan.

In 1984, she helped her adopted country win the Mundialito – the precursor to the Women’s World Cup – after skippering and scoring for the Italians in a 3-1 final win against West Germany.

Incredibly, Rose ended up stricken in hospital and almost died after contracting hepatitis from eating raw fish during a post-match meal.

“I was so weak, I couldn’t even walk," she said. "The hepatitis had taken over my body.

“They told me at that point that my football career was over. I said 'you might as well kill me now if that’s the case'.”

The Gazette: Football ace Rose starred for AC MilanFootball ace Rose starred for AC Milan (Image: Herald and Times Group)

Rose, who was later awarded the MBE in recognition of her sporting achievements, recalled her brush with death while chatting to Johnstone man Jed McCabe for his popular YouTube show.

The pair met at St Mirren Football Club's stadium in Paisley to discuss her remarkable career.

And the result is the latest edition of Chit Chat with Jed and Co, which is billed as "the show where everyone has their say."

In the show, 66-year-old Rose, from Kilmarnock, also tells how she overcame her health problems to get back to playing the beautiful game again.

She recalls being discouraged to follow her football dream as a youngster and how playing in front of 80,000 supporters at the San Siro for AC Milan left her with memories that never fade.

The Gazette: Rose Reilly is carried aloft after leading Italy to football gloryRose Reilly is carried aloft after leading Italy to football glory

Rose was later inducted into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame and the Scottish Football Hall of Fame and became the first female recipient of a special PFA (Professional Footballers' Association) Scotland Merit Award.

Jed told The Gazette: “You cannot help but be blown away by Rose’s achievements in the game. There is so much to it and some incredible memories that I am sure will amaze anyone who tunes in.

“It’s such a special story."

Chit Chat with Jed and Co, which is produced by Labrat Productions, has already racked up thousands of views.

The latest episode is due for release on June 2. For more details, search for 'Chit Chat with Jed and Co' on YouTube.