Ricksen show of support for stricken Hagen

FERNANDO RICKSEN sent a message of support to David Hagen yesterday after it emerged that his fellow former Rangers player has been diagnosed with the same degenerative illness as the Dutchman. Hagen, 45, spent most of his career at Falkirk and it was the Championship club who confirmed yesterday that he is suffering from motor neurone disease. Ex-Ibrox full-back Ricksen, who has been battling the condition since 2013, said: ‘It’s always terrible to hear somebody new is diagnosed

with MND. I want to wish David Hagen, his family and friends all the strength they need to fight this demon. ‘My advice to him would be to take the MND as it comes, day by day and keep doing the day-to-day things for as long as possible.’ Edinburgh-born midfielder Hagen (below) started his career at Ibrox in the early 1990s, then had a year at Hearts before spending five years with Falkirk, culminating in an appearance in the 1997 Scottish Cup final against Kilmarnock. The former Scotland Under-21s international went on to play for Livingston, Clyde, Peterhead and finished his career with junior side Bo’ness United in 2007. Confirming that speculation on fans’ forums about Hagen’s health was sadly true, Margaret Lang, chairperson of Falkirk, said: ‘The club is aware of rumours that have arisen on social media forums regarding the health and well-being of former Falkirk player David Hagen. ‘To prevent further speculation and further attempts by the media to visit him at home — and in consultation with David’s family — the club can confirm he has very recently been diagnosed with motor neurone disease. The club is providing to David and his family our fullest support and would ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.’ Celtic legend Jimmy Johnstone was also diagnosed with the condition before his death in 2006, while former Scotland rugby player Doddie Weir is among the most high-profile sufferers.