A FOOTBALL club yesterday pledged its support for one of its former players as he fights cancer.

Former Celtic striker John Hartson has been diagnosed with testicular cancer which has spread to his brain.

The 34-year-old, who played for the Glasgow club for five years and was also capped 51 times for Wales, was given the news at the weekend after tests at a Swansea hospital.

A Celtic spokesman told the club’s 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.”

Dr Gianfilippo Bertelli, consultant medical oncologist at ABM University NHS Trust in Swansea, confirmed that the former striker, whose other clubs include Arsenal and West Ham, attended the city’s Singleton Hospital on Friday “displaying symptoms consistent with testicular cancer”.

He said: “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.”

He added: “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.

It said: “All the family, and John’s friends, are doing all we can to support him and praying that he will make a full recovery.”

Recognising the signs

The symptoms listed below may be caused by conditions other than testicular cancer, but it is important to see a doctor if any occur.

● A hard lump on the front or side of the testicle

● Swelling or enlargement of a testicle

● An increase in the testicle’s firmness

● Pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum

● An unusual difference between one testicle and the other

● A heavy feeling in the scrotum

● A dull ache in the lower stomach, the groin or the scrotum

Other symptoms, such as back ache, stomach ache, tender nipples, breathlessness or a persistent dry cough, may also be present