Owen Coyle confirms conversation with Fabrice Muamba

Bolton boss Owen Coyle says he "had a conversation, a few words" with Fabrice Muamba as the player continues to recover from a cardiac arrest he suffered in Saturday's FA Cup tie at Tottenham.

Coyle is quick to point out that it is "very early in the process" and that Muamba's condition is still critical, but admits the signs are "encouraging".

Coyle thanks the medical teams for their "remarkable work" and salutes fans of Tottenham and Bolton and the wider football community for their reaction to the incident.

He also has strong words of praise for Muamba's family and friends and says it is they that can really support "this outstanding young individual" as he seeks to fully recover.