Celtic offer support to cancer victim John Hartson

The 34-year-old has been diagnosed with testicular cancer which has now spread to his brain, according to the Scottish Sun.

He was given the news at the weekend following tests at the Singleton Hospital in Swansea after complaining of severe headaches.

Hartson was signed by Martin O'Neill in a 6million deal in 2001 and was a popular figure with fans during the five years he spent at Parkhead.

During that time, he scored 89 league goals for Celtic and was voted Player of the Year by both his fellow professionals and the Scottish Football Writers Association.

A celtic spokesperson told the club's official website: "John Hartson is a man whom Celtic Football Club has immense respect and affection for.

"He has served the club, and the game of football in general, with distinction over many years.

"Clearly, everyone at the club fully supports John and his family at this extremely difficult time.

"It is very difficult for us to understand what John is going through at the moment, but we will offer any support we can to a great Celtic player.

"The thoughts and prayers of the entire Celtic family are with John at this time."

News of Hartson's illness was met with shock from Celtic fans, who described the diagnosis as a "real tragedy" and wished him a full recovery.

Peter Rafferty, president of the Affiliation of Celtic Supporters' Clubs, said: "He was one of our major heroes and really well liked and appreciated by the fans. He always gave 100%.

"It's so sad that something like this could happen to someone so young, he is still a very young man and has a young family.

"It's a real tragedy and we just wish him well with his treatment.

"Hopefully he will make a full recovery."

A cancer specialist at the hospital where Hartson was diagnosed urged fans today to respect his privacy.

Dr Gianfilippo Bertelli, consultant medical oncologist at ABM University NHS Trust in Swansea, confirmed that the former striker attended the city's Singleton Hospital on Friday "displaying symptoms consistent with testicular cancer".

He added: "Unfortunately, it has also been confirmed that this cancer has spread to Mr Hartson's brain.

"We are awaiting the results of further tests to establish a full picture of Mr Hartson's diagnosis.

"We will be commencing a course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy as soon as possible and foresee many months of treatment.

"Mr Hartson will continue under the care of the specialist consultant oncologists as we aim for a positive outcome from this treatment.

"We realise that Mr Hartson is a much-loved figure and there are many fans and well-wishers who will be keen to hear news of his progress.

"However, while treatment is ongoing, we would ask that the privacy of Mr Hartson, and all the patients who attend our hospital, is respected.

"With his blessing, we will give further updates when appropriate."

The statement, issued through the hospital, also carried words of support from his family and friends.

"All the family, and John's friends, are doing all we can to support him and praying that he will make a full recovery," the statement said.

"John is getting excellent care from the oncologists at the hospital as he begins his treatment.

"John is a family man and we appreciate all the messages of support we have already received."