Last updated on .From the section Scottish

Jackie McNamara was working as a consultant with Dunfermline last year

Former Scotland defender Jackie McNamara has spoken to his family after being taken out of an induced coma, says former team-mate Darren Jackson.

Ex-Celtic captain McNamara collapsed near his home in York on Saturday.

The 46-year-old is in intensive care at Hull Royal Infirmary, with the hospital describing his condition as "critical but stable" on Tuesday.

Jackson, a friend of McNamara, told PLZ Soccer external-link on Tuesday evening: "He's in and out of consciousness.

"The positive news is that he's had the operation and he was in an induced coma but we've just heard - I spoke to [former Celtic team-mate] Tommy Johnson who was at the hospital today - he's up speaking.

"They were thinking seven to 10 days he was going to be in an induced coma, but he's speaking today, which is very positive.

"I've played with him, I was his agent, I was on his coaching staff. He's a winner. He was a pleasure to play with and it is great to call him a pal. I'm going down [on Wednesday] and looking forward to seeing him."

McNamara won four league titles during a 10-year spell with Celtic and former team-mates, clubs and the wider Scottish football community have been sending messages of support.

"I am lost for words, I don't know what to say," said former team-mate and current Celtic manager Neil Lennon on Tuesday.

"I am devastated by the news and hoping he pulls through. People have been keeping me abreast of things. He is a strong guy, a great guy and a fit boy for someone of his age. He has been fit all his life so I am hoping and praying he comes through okay."

McNamara returned to his first club Dunfermline Athletic as a consultant last year.

The defender, who won 33 Scotland caps, also played for Wolves, Aberdeen, Falkirk and Partick Thistle. He has managed Thistle, Dundee United and York City.