Neil Lennon: "He [McNamara] is a strong guy, a great guy and a fit boy for someone of his age. He has been fit all his life so I am hoping and praying he comes through OK."
Tuesday 11 February 2020 18:21, UK
Celtic boss Neil Lennon says he is "hoping and praying" for the recovery of former Hoops team-mate Jackie McNamara.
McNamara, 46, was taken to Hull Royal Infirmary on Sunday night and is in a critical but stable condition.
Lennon, who played alongside McNamara during the early 2000s, said: "I am lost for words, I don't know what to say.
"I spoke to him on Tuesday so I am devastated by the news and hoping he pulls through.
"People have been keeping me abreast of things. He is a strong guy, a great guy and a fit boy for someone of his age.
"He has been fit all his life so I am hoping and praying he comes through OK."
A spokeswoman for Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: "We can confirm Jackie McNamara was admitted to Hull Royal Infirmary on Sunday night and is currently being cared for in our Intensive Care Unit.
"He remains in a critical but stable condition. We are supporting both Jackie and his family, who request their privacy to be respected at this time."
A post on McNamara's personal Twitter account on Monday, read: "This is Jackie's daughter. Thank you all for your kind words and support.
"My dad is getting the best care possible, as you all can understand this is difficult for us as a family and request privacy at this time."
Celtic wrote on Twitter: "The thoughts and prayers of everyone at #CelticFC are with Jackie and his family."
A statement on the Scotland National Team Twitter account read: "The thoughts of everyone at the Scottish FA are with former Scotland player Jackie McNamara and his family."
Celtic hero Henrik Larsson, who played alongside McNamara for seven years, posted a picture of McNamara on Instagram with the message: "He needs all the love we can give him. @jackiemac4 keep on fighting."
