Former Liverpool and Scotland star Alan Hansen seriously ill in hospital

Merseyside club confirms news as tributes pour in for former captain and TV pundit

Former Liverpool and Scotland defender Alan Hansen is seriously ill in hospital, the Merseyside club has confirmed.

The 68-year-old, who made 620 appearances for Liverpool during a 14-year career at Anfield, is understood to be in a critical condition.

Hansen was a key member of the Liverpool team that dominated English football in the 1980s, winning eight league titles, four FA Cups and three European Cups.

He also won 26 caps for Scotland and was a member of the squad that reached the World Cup semi-finals in 1982.

After retiring from playing, Hansen became a successful television pundit, working for BBC's Match of the Day for over two decades.

Tributes have poured in for Hansen from across the football world, with former Liverpool team-mate Graeme Souness saying he is "fighting for his life".

Liverpool FC said in a statement: "The thoughts and support of everyone at Liverpool FC are with our legendary former captain Alan Hansen, his family and friends at this time."