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Pavel Srnicek, ex-Newcastle keeper, in critical condition after cardiac arrest

Former Newcastle goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek is in a critical condition in hospital in the Czech Republic after suffering a cardiac arrest.

The 47-year-old, who made 150 appearances for the Magpies between 1991 and 1998, collapsed while out jogging on Sunday night.

His agent Steve Wraith said he believed he stopped breathing for 20 minutes before being revived, but is expected to remain in a medically induced coma until at least Wednesday.

Wraith told Sky Sports News: "He's had a cardiac arrest in [the Czech Republic]. Unfortunately the news we've been given by both his close family -- his brother -- and a good friend is that apparently he was not breathing for 20 minutes before they managed to resuscitate him. 

"So at this moment of time he's at hospital, which is the best place for him. He's in a coma and they're monitoring him.

"It was critical last night. Today, again, it's not looking great. He is stable but still critical and we're all hoping things will improve but It's early days at the moment.

"Wednesday is the day we've been given that we should know some news but I think you're basically watching hour to hour, minute to minute. Our prayers are certainly with him and I know the prayers of Newcastle United fans around the world will be with him and of course the other clubs he played for."

The Czech Republic international also had stints with Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth and West Ham before making a brief return to Newcastle in 2006. He recently returned to the north-east to promote his autobiography, "Pavel is a Geordie."

Newcastle offered a message of support, tweeting: "Our best wishes go to @PavelSrnicekUK, who has been taken to hospital today. Get well soon, Pav. #NUFC".

Sheffield Wednesday, for whom Srnicek made 44 appearances after moving to Hillsborough in 1998, added: "Sorry to hear the terrible news on our former goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek. Our thoughts are with him at this sad time."

Srnicek also had two brief spells with West Ham and the Upton Park club joined in the goodwill messages, saying: "Everyone at West Ham United is thinking of Pavel Srnicek at this time and wish the former Hammers goalkeeper a full recovery."

ESPN FC's Shaka Hislop, with whom Srnicek enjoyed a memorable battle for the No. 1 spot at St James' Park, wrote:

Srnicek retired from playing after his second stint at Newcastle in 2007, and took up a series of coaching roles in the Czech Republic.

Wraith added : "Pavel's a fantastic guy and he has got time for everybody. He still coaches at Sparta Prague, something he's very, very proud of.

"He always wants to talk about football and give advice and he's always looking to come back to the UK. He's very happy with his job at Sparta Prague but he's said he would love to come to the UK at some point."

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