The Northern Irish snooker star revealed this week that he was considering retiring from the sport following a first-round defeat at the Northern Ireland Open

Mark Allen has said he is "completely overwhelmed" by the messages of support he has received after opening up about his mental health struggles.

The Northern Irish snooker star admitted this week that he was considering retiring from the sport following a first-round defeat at the Northern Ireland Open.

The 40-year-old, who had not played competitively since April's World Championship, also revealed that he had been receiving treatment at a mental health clinic.

He said: "Rest assured I'm doing my best to turn things round.

"I have been in a mental health clinic for the last 10 weeks, finally discharging so I could attempt to play in Belfast.

"I owed that to my family, in particular my daughter to see me play for what could be the last time..... I also owed it to the fans who have supported me throughout my 21 years on tour.

"I also owed that to World Snooker who have been amazing from day on in all this, in particular Simon Brownell and Neil Tomkins who have remained in touch regularly, even Simon paying me a visit in the clinic itself.

"I'm not ok, but I'm ok in that itself. I've been much worse in the last few months than you saw yesterday. I literally didn't see a future in anything.....

"My daughter kept me going, the therapists, staff and all the other patients were amazing and helped me through some really dark days.

"I see the light now that I couldn't see before but I do now. I also know it won't happen overnight. I'm a work in progress!"

Allen's candid admission prompted an outpouring of support, and he returned to social media on Sunday morning to thank those who had reached out to him.

The Antrim man also expressed hope that he could return to competitive action at next month's UK Championship.

Allen wrote: "Completely overwhelmed by all the messages I have received since my statement.

"As I continue my treatment and my recovery now know that I simply have to raise more awareness around mental health in the future

"Best part of 6 weeks before the UK Championships starts and all being well I’ll be in a better place by then but for now it’s just one day at a time

"Thanks again for all your support. It’s meant so so much to myself and my family."