Concerned Chris Sutton delivered a powerful message of positivity to stricken friend Jackie McNamara.
The former Hoops captain was taken seriously ill outside his home in York on Monday and has been recovering in hospital ever since.
Earlier medics had said dad-of-three McNamara was in a “critical but stable” condition following an operation after a suspected brain bleed.
Speaking on BT Sport, an emotional Sutton began the coverage of Kilmarnock vs Rangers with a powerful message to his friend.
He said: "The outpouring of love and messages tell you everything you need to know about Jackie McNamara as a character and what a popular figure he was in the Celtic dressing room.
"He's got a lovely wife, Sam, and family and on behalf of us all I'd like to wish him our love and thoughts and prayers."
McNamara,46, is thought to now be awake, talking and in a stable contition.
A family friend told the Record : “Jackie was out walking the dog on Saturday near his home in York.
“He became unwell quite quickly and he headed back to his house.
“But he must have been really poorly because he did not make it back into the house.
“He collapsed on the doorstep and his family found him."
Daughter Erin took over his twitter account on Monday night to thank worried fans for their support, and asked for privacy in the coming days.
The tweet read: “This is Jackie’s daughter. Thank you for all your kind words and support.
“My dad is getting the best care possible, as you can all understand this is difficult for us as a family and request privacy at this time.”
