Ex England defender Pearce in Canadian hospital after falling ill on plane

Former England defender Stuart Pearce is in hospital in Canada after falling ill during a flight from Las Vegas to London.

The 62-year-old was treated by Virgin Atlantic staff and medically trained passengers before the flight was diverted to St. Johns, Canada, where he is recovering in hospital, radio station talkSPORT, where Pearce is a pundit, said on Saturday.

I spoke to him on (Friday) and he was in great spirits, fellow talkSPORT commentator Sam Matterface said.

He isnt 100 percent - thats definitely the case. But hes in the right place in the hospital. Theyre dealing with it.

Pearce, won 78 England caps. He played for and managed both Nottingham Forest and Manchester City. His former clubs met in the Premier League on Saturday, with Forest winning 1-0.

Pearce scored 63 goals in 401 games over 12 years at Forest. Fans at the City Ground held banners for him, while the stdiums big screen displayed a message reading, Get well soon, Stuart.

Hes a little bit disappointed about not being here today (at Forest),Matterface added. He actually said to me: Ive got so much Ive had to cancel - great games, and Mumford and Sons are playing next Wednesday night and I cant go, .

TalkSPORT did not disclose the cause of Pearces medical emergency. The flight left at 8:45 pm local time and after being diverted reached London six hours later than planned. REUTERS

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