Football legend George Best is "improving" today in an intensive care unit after being struck down by a kidney infection.
The former Northern Ireland and Manchester United star was in a "serious, but improving" condition at the private Cromwell Hospital in west London.
Best's condition is not directly related to his alcohol problems
"With an infection, all the organs become involved, including the kidneys and liver, but they are all beginning to work properly again. People fear the worst because it is George Best, but there is no real cause for alarm," said Prof Roger Williams, who has been responsible for Best's care since his liver transplant.
His condition was not directly related to his alcohol problems, according to Prof Williams. But he would have been more susceptible to the illness because he has been on a course of medication to prevent his body rejecting a new liver.
This morning, Prof Williams said Best's spirits had rallied and he was "moderately cheerful". He had been "pretty miserable" when he was admitted to hospital last, he said.
Best had a life-saving transplant operation in 2002 after his old liver was left ravaged by decades of heavy drinking. Prof Williams said it was hoped that the 59-year-old would be moved out of intensive care today before spending at least a week in hospital.
The star had been taken to intensive care on Sunday night after his condition deteriorated and he became "severely ill". "We are not exactly sure where the infection is - there are several possible sites," Prof Williams said.