FORMER Newcastle United goalkeeper Pavel Srníček is tonight in an induced coma in a Czech hospital after suffering a heart attack.

The 47-year-old collapsed on Sunday while out running on a busy road in his hometown of Bohumín, on the border of the Czech Republic with Poland.

The AC Sparta Prague goalkeeping coach suffered a cardiac arrest and was helped by passers-by.

Srníček was then taken to the anaesthesiology and resuscitation department in a teaching hospital in Ostrava-Poruba.

His agent, Steve Wraith, said he was in "critical condition" in hospital.

He said: “Pavel was running last night and his heart stopped. He was like that for 20 minutes then rushed to hospital. He is an induced coma until Wednesday.

“Then they will see if his heart is stronger and if so bring him out of the coma.

“No-one knows if his brain has been too starved of oxygen.”

Srníček played professional football as a goalkeeper between 1990 and 2007, with most of his time at Newcastle.

He played 150 times for the Magpies between 1991 and 1998 and was cult hero on Tyneside as part Keven Keegan’s ‘Entertainers’ side.

Mark Jensen, editor of The Mag, Newcastle United's longest-running fanzine, said: “Obviously he is someone who is a larger than life character. He has got a special place in the heart of most fans. It was a bit of a shock to hear the news. Fingers crossed he will pull through.”

Srníček returned to Tyneside for short spell in the 2006-07 season, and has recently released a book, Pavel is a Geordie, the title of which is based on the popular chant from St James’ Park during his playing days.

Newcastle United tweeted: “Our best wishes go to @PavelSrnicekUK, who has been taken to hospital today. Get well soon, Pav.”

Srníček also played for Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth and West Ham United as well as in Italy for Brescia and Cosenza, in Portugal for Beira-Mar, and in his native country for Banik Ostrava.

He played internationally for the Czech Republic 49 times and took part in Euro 2000.

His former teammates have today taken to Twitter to show their support.

Former Newcastle and Northern Ireland international Keith Gillespie said: “Just heard about my old teammate Pavel Srnicek. Hope you pull through mate. #prayforpav”

Robbie Elliot said: “Thoughts with Pav and his family. Pull through big man. #nufcfamily #gklegend”

Shaka Hislop said: “This story has shaken me this morning. Get well Pav, praying for you. @NUFC @PavelSrnicekUK