Stuart Pearce recovering in hospital after medical emergency that caused plane to be grounded

Former Newcastle United and England player Stuart Pearce is currently in hospital in Canada after his flight from Las Vegas to Heathrow was grounded following the 62-year-old suffering a medical emergency on board.

Stuart Pearce became iconic in English for his celebration after burying his penalty against Spain at Euro 96, exorcising the demons of his miss in 1990.

Known for a stunning 12-year career at Nottingham Forest where he made 401 appearances, the left-back also had spells at Coventry, Newcastle, West Ham and Manchester City.

Nottingham Forest sent a 'get well soon' message to Pearce via the big screen during the early kick-off against Manchester City today on three minutes, a nod to the number he wore at the City Ground.

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Sam Matterface has spoken to Stuart Pearce who is in good spirits

Pearce is said to be in good spirits as TalkSPORT colleague Sam Matterface said he'd spoken to Pearce yesterday (via The Chronicle).

"I spoke to him yesterday, he's in great spirits. He isn't 100 per cent, that is definitely the case, but he is in the right place, he is in the hospital. They are dealing with it.

"He is a little bit disappointed about not being here today, he was most frustrated about that. He actually said to me, 'I have got so much I had to cancel. Some great games and Mumford and Sons are playing on Wednesday night and I can't go now'. He wasn't happy about that. He is in good spirits."

Stuart Pearce's Virgin Atlantic flight had to make a diversion

Stuart Pearce had been in America watching Wigan play Warrington in the Super League game in the States and was heading from Las Vegas to Heathrow when he took ill.

After a brief examination on the plane, it was apparent that Pearce needed hospital treatment and the plane was diverted, landing in Canada where Pearce remains in hospital.

We wish him well and hope he has a full and speedy recovery.