FORMER Pars star Jackie McNamara is in a "critical but stable condition" in hospital after collapsing at home at the weekend.

In the last few minutes, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has issued a statement to the Press confirming that the 46-year-old was taken to Hull Royal Infirmary on Sunday night.

It is understood that McNamara, who was at East End for four years before joining boyhood heroes Celtic in 1995, suffered a bleed on the brain.

It has been reported that after initially being taken to hospital in York, he was then transferred to Hull, where it has been confirmed he was taken on Sunday evening.

A spokeswoman for Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: "We can confirm Jackie McNamara was admitted to Hull Royal Infirmary on Sunday night and is currently being cared for in our Intensive Care Unit. He remains in a critical but stable condition.

"We are supporting both Jackie and his family, who request their privacy to be respected at this time."

Following the appointment of Stevie Crawford as Athletic's head coach last January, McNamara, with his sports consultancy firm, Consilium Sports, became involved with the club once more in a role "providing ongoing technical support to the board".

Last night, the family of McNamara, who won 33 caps for Scotland, and went on to represent Wolverhampton Wanderers, Aberdeen, Falkirk and Partick Thistle, said that he was "receiving the best care possible".

Posting on his  Twitter account, McNamara's daughter wrote: "This is Jackie’s daughter.

"Thank you all for your kind words and support. My dad is getting the best care possible, as you all can understand this is difficult for us as a family and request privacy at this time."

News of the former Scotland's star's health has prompted an outpouring of support from across the Scottish game.

Ex-Dunfermline goalkeeper Jamie Langfield, who was a team-mate of McNamara's at Aberdeen, said: "Thoughts and prayers go out to my former team mate Jackie McNamara and his family at such a worrying time. Keep fighting Jackie and stay strong."

Kelty Hearts defender Tam Scobbie, who played with McNamara at Falkirk, commented: "Praying your dad comes through (sic) this Erin one of the best guys I’ve ever known. Sending you all the love and support in the world."

His former Hoops team-mate, John Hartson, wrote on Twitter: "Worried sick for my former teammate and great friend Jackie McNamara who collapsed at home Saturday with a bleed on the brain.. my thoughts are with his wife Samantha and the children".

Celtic themselves have posted a message of support for their former skipper.

In a post accompanying a photo of McNamara, they wrote: "The thoughts and prayers of everyone at #CelticFC are with Jackie and his family."

After joining Dunfermline from Gairdoch United in 1991, McNamara made his first team debut in a Challenge Cup tie at Arbroath the following year.

The full back then went on to make 96 appearances for the Pars before Tommy Burns' Celtic swooped to sign him in 1995, for what was a club record transfer fee received by Athletic.

In a stellar 10-year career with the Parkhead side, McNamara went on to win four top flight titles, and both the Scottish Cup and League Cup three times, before moving to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

His international career included being part of the squad that featured at the 1998 World Cup in France and, after spells with Aberdeen, Falkirk and Partick Thistle, he retired from playing in 2011.

Since then, he has gone on to manage Thistle, Dundee United and latterly York City, before he took up his consultancy role with Athletic.

In addition, alongside former team-mate and close friend Simon Donnelly - who also enjoyed a spell with Dunfermline later in his career - he recently opened a sports bar in Fuengirola, Spain.