A GOOD Samaritan who was battered by thugs during a night out with pals was today waiting to find out if his eyesight will be permanently damaged.

Ian Hyland has not been able to see clearly since he was kicked and stamped on by a gang in Wigan town centre at the weekend.

But doctors are hopeful that the 21-year-old Westhoughton joiner, who was so badly beaten that his mother did not recognise him, will make a full recovery.

A scan has shown that his brain was undamaged and he has now been transferred out of intensive care to a medical ward at Manchester Royal Infirmary.

X-rays have also shown that, despite fracturing his jaw, he will not need to have reconstructive facial surgery.

A specialist was today due to examine his eyes, which have been swollen badly since the attack.

Ian's mother Beverley told the Bolton Evening News: "No mother should have to go through something like this. I wouldn't wish it on anyone else.

"His injuries were so bad that I did not recognise him. The people who did this are animals. It was a completely unprovoked attack.

"But he is now improving every day. He was due to see an eye specialist today. We just hope we can get him home soon."

Ian, a former pupil of St Joseph's High School in Horwich, is well-known in Westhoughton and has a wide circle of friends.

He was waiting for a taxi in Wigan with two pals at about 3am on Sunday when they heard a window smash.

A man ran past followed by two kebab shop owners who believed he had just broken their window. Ian is thought to have joined in the pursuit with his friends.

But he fell behind as the others ran through Wigan bus station. Then, as he walked on alone, he was attacked by a gang of four or five men.

He was punched to the ground during the brutal assault and was kicked repeatedly before the attackers ran off towards Wallgate.

Detectives arrested and questioned five men, who have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Police are still investigating the incident and are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Anyone with information should call Wigan CID on 0161-856 7140 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.