Fabrice Muamba: Bolton owner praises 'fighting spirit'

The Isle of Man based owner of Bolton Wanderers Football Club has praised the "fighting spirit" of Fabrice Muamba.

The 23-year-old midfielder collapsed on the pitch at White Hart Lane during Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final against Tottenham Hotspur.

Eddie Davies was watching the game from his home in Ballasalla and said it was "surreal" to see what unfolded.

He said: "I was watching on TV at home. It was a surreal event and I was really stunned by what happened."

Mr Davies plans to visit the former England under-21 international at the London Chest Hospital on Wednesday.

'True ambassador'

He said: "He's been with us for three years. He is a very intelligent young guy with an unbelievable history of how he got where he is. He is a true ambassador for the sport."

It took medical staff two hours to get the Bolton player breathing again, and they gave him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation as well as trying to revive him with a defibrillator.

Bolton-born Mr Davies added: "He was offline for an hour and back within 24. It is absolutely incredible, if not a miracle, and I want to thank everyone who has helped.

"The messages of support we have received have been unbelievable."

The tycoon became Bolton Wanderers' owner in 2003 and has invested millions in the club.

The club's next Premier League game at Aston Villa on Tuesday has been postponed.