Former Arsenal and West Ham striker John Hartson is battling cancer, according to reports.
The 34-year-old, who became the country's most expensive teenager when signing for George Graham's Arsenal in 1995, has been diagnosed with testicular cancer which has now spread to his brain, according to the Scottish Sun.
He was given the news at the weekend following tests at the Singleton Hospital in Swansea after complaining of severe headaches.
After starring for West Ham, Hartson moved to Wimbledon for £7.5m. However he was plagued with injuries and signed for Celtic in 2001 in a £6million deal.
During a five-year period, he scored 89 league goals for Celtic and was voted Player of the Year by both his fellow professionals and the Scottish Football Writers Association.
A Celtic spokesperson told www.celticfcnet: "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.
"The thoughts and prayers of the entire Celtic family are with John at this time."
