Fabrice Muamba makes progress in hospital on 24th birthday

Fabrice Muamba is continuing to make "strong and steady improvements" in his recovery from a cardiac arrest as he celebrates his 24th birthday.

A statement from the club and hospital trust confirmed his progress and added he "remains in the intensive care unit of the London Chest Hospital".

Bolton manager Owen Coyle said: "He has done some short periods of walking down the corridor he is in.

"He is taking steps, talking and has that big smile which we love to see."

Bolton midfielder Muamba was technically "dead" for 78 minutes after collapsing in Wanderers' FA Cup tie at Tottenham last month.

Coyle added: "My chairman Phil Gartside was there with our club doctor Jonathan Tobin on Wednesday, and our club chaplain Phil Mason will be there on Thursday to continue the support from the football club.

"A couple of players have been sending him messages and we are keeping in touch. It has been great to see that smile and he continues to get better.

"We have to stress that he still has a long way to go, but the improvement has been remarkable and long may that continue."