Former international footballer John Hartson remains in a critical but stable condition after undergoing emergency neurosurgery to relieve pressure on his brain, a hospital spokesman said today.

It was revealed earlier this week that the 34-year-old was diagnosed with testicular cancer, which had spread to his brain.

Doctors at the Morriston hospital in Hartson’s home town of Swansea later discovered the disease in his lungs as well.

He is now receiving round-the-clock care following the emergency procedure.

Yesterday Hartson’s family said in a statement: “His partner Sarah, mum, dad, three children, brother, two sisters and very close friends are all continuing to support John in any way we can.”

The former Wales, Celtic, Arsenal and West Ham striker attended Swansea’s Singleton Hospital on Friday with symptoms of testicular cancer. Tests were then carried out to establish a full picture of his diagnosis.

He was transferred to the larger Morriston hospital on Tuesday evening when his condition worsened.

A spokesman for the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg (ABM) University NHS Trust said this morning: “John Hartson remains in a critical but stable condition at Morriston Hospital. Further updates will be provided should this change.”

Dr Gianfilippo Bertelli, a consultant medical oncologist, said earlier this week that a course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy would be started as soon as possible and that he could foresee many months of treatment.

Hartson today received a message of support from seven-times Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong.

"My thoughts go out to John Hartson. Livestrong, John! We're pulling for you! Folks, hold him in your thoughts and prayers please," Armstrong said on his Twitter feed as he prepared for the 12th stage of this year's Tour.

Armstrong survived testicular cancer that spread to his brain and lungs in 1996 before embarking on his domination of the cycling classic.