[Mike]

Professor Roger Williams has revealed the sad news that George Best's hours are now numbered, although he is still alive.

One of the greatest footballers of all time is on his deathbed at the age of 59, unable to recover from internal bleeding that has now affected his lungs.

"I think many of you already know this morning that I'm afraid Mr Best is coming to the end of the long road of his ill health," said Williams, Best's physician.

"The situation is medically the intensive care team and everybody concerned have managed to cope with pretty well all the complications except the one that's happened again during the night which you know about. This bleeding which, although has been replaced, has now affected the lungs and other parts.

"There is really no return from that situation. It's just not possible to recover from that episode that he's had during the night and is now faced with.

"He is still alive, still having standard medical care and treatment but I have to tell you that his hours are numbered now. It's all very upsetting for all of us who have looked after him.

"I can't be precise as to time but it is the final stages of the illness and I'm afraid he could die at any time over the next 24 hours," said Williams. "I'd be very surprised if he survives another 24 hours."

Williams revealed the star's family, including son Callum, were in attendance and preparing themselves for the inevitable.

"I think they accept what is going to happen," he explained.

"He's not in any pain but he is still alive, though with complications in the lung that one is never able to reverse when that happens.

"He's not conscious or aware [of his family's presence].

"I think we're all very upset."