“I spoke to him on Tuesday so 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 OK.”

A spokeswoman for Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: “We can confirm Jackie McNamara was admitted to Hull Royal Infirmary on Sunday night and is currently being cared for in our Intensive Care Unit. He remains in a critical but stable condition.

“We are supporting both Jackie and his family, who request their privacy to be respected at this time.”

Lennon is just one of several former team-mates of McNamara who have been sending their best wishes since news of the former defender’s serious illness emerged.

Simon Donnelly, McNamara’s former Celtic team-mate, managerial assistant and co-owner of a pub in Spain, simply posted images of praying hands, hearts and a strong arm to show his thoughts.

Parkhead hero Henrik Larsson, who played alongside McNamara at Parkhead for seven years, posted a picture of McNamara on Instagram with the message: “He needs all the love we can give him. @jackiemac4 keep on fighting.”

Ex-Rangers manager and striker Ally McCoist, a former Scotland team-mate, posted on his Instagram account: “Rooting for you @jackiemac4, always a battler. With you and your family all the way.”