Former Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek in critical condition

Ex-Sheffield Wednesday stopper Pavel Srnicek was in his native Czech Republic when he collapsed and his heart stopped for 20 minutes, his representative Steve Wraith has tweeted.

He was put in an induced coma in hospital.

Mr Wraith wrote: “Pavel was running last night and his heart stopped he was like that for 20 minutes then rushed to hospital he is an induced coma until wed then they will see if his heart is stronger and if so bring him out of the coma.....no one knows if his brain has been to starved of oxygen” (sic).

Srnicek was in Newcastle only last week to take part in an online chat with fans to promote his autobiography.

He was also much-loved by the fans as part of the Newcastle United squad dubbed “The Entertainers” who almost won the Premier League in 1996.

After returning to his native Czech Republic he joined Wednesday in October 1998.

He competed for the No 1 jersey with Kevin Pressman, and made 44 appearances for the Owls before leaving on a Bosman free transfer following their relegation at the end of the 1999-2000 season.

Newcastle United tweeted: “Our best wishes go to @PavelSrnicekUK, who has been taken to hospital today. Get well soon, Pav.”

Srnicek also played for Portsmouth and West Ham.