Celtic support cancer-stricken Hartson

Celtic have sent a message of support to the family of former Scottish footballer of the year John Hartson who is in hospital battling cancer, the Glasgow club’s website said on Monday.

The 34-year-old former Parkhead favourite has been diagnosed with testicular cancer which has now spread to his brain, the Scottish Sun newspaper has reported.

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

Hartson joined the Hoops in 2001 during the time of Martin O’Neill’s stewardship and scored 89 league goals for Celtic during the five years he spent there. He went from Glasgow to West Bromwich Albion and retired last year.

“John Hartson is a man whom Celtic Football Club has immense respect and affection for,” the statement said.

“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.”