Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish was shocked by Bolton Wanderers midfielder Fabrice Muamba's collapse on Saturday.

Muamba remains in a critical condition at the Heart Attack Centre at The London Chest Hospital.

McLeish, who worked wit Muamba at Birmingham City, said: "Like everybody, I am shocked and saddened by what happened to Fabrice during Bolton's FA Cup game at White Hart Lane and subsequent developments.

"I have worked with Fabrice as a player at Birmingham and he has always been a terrific lad, nothing other than the perfect professional.

"I can say that in my experience he trained every day the way he went to play in games, full of intensity and enthusiasm.

"He is a manager's dream in terms of his commitment to the team and to his club and I know that Owen Coyle will feel the same way about him.

"My heart goes out to his family and it is overwhelming to think what they are going through right now.

"The massive response throughout Europe and the world of football underlines how everybody has been touched by this tragic development and I pray that Fabrice is able to pull through."