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

As messages hoping for a speedy recovery flood in from his old clubs and former team-mates, it emerged that Srnicek is in an induced coma.

Srnicek, who was in the North East to launch his autobiography last week before returning to his family home to spend Christmas there, collapsed after going out for a jog.

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His heart stopped for 20 minutes before he was revived by medics and he is in the Ostrava-Poruba hospital, where he is in critical condition and “fighting for his life” according to initial reports from his home country.

Hospital spokesman Tomas Oborny said: “I can confirm that it is hospitalized in our hospital, but on the wishes of the family will not disclose details of his condition.” Srnicek’s English agent Steve Wraith gave an update on his condition on Monday afternoon.

On Twitter, he wrote: "Pavel was running last night and his heart stopped. He was like that for 20 minutes then rushed to hospital. He is an induced coma until Wednesday. Then they will see if his heart is stronger and if so bring him out of the coma."

The popular former United shot-stopper has just launched his new book and spent last week in Newcastle promoting it with a series of interviews. He visited the Chronicle offices and took part in a webchat.

The news will come as a major shock to anyone who met Srnicek, who had been in terrific spirits and seemed in excellent health.

Srnicek was a popular member of Kevin Keegan’s Entertainers team and he has remained close to events in the North East with his weekly Sunday Sun column. Just last week he said his life’s ambition was to return to Newcastle United at some point.

If you want to send your best wishes to Pavel and his family, please leave a comment below