FORMER CLUBS AND PLAYERS RALLY ROUND MATTEO AFTER OPERATION

FORMER Liverpool, Leeds and Scotland star Dominic Matteo’s former clubs and team-mates have shared their support for him after he had an operation on a brain tumour.

The Anfield club said yesterday that the 45-year-old, who started his career with the Reds, underwent an operation on Monday and is being treated in hospital after coming out of intensive care.

‘The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Dom, his family and friends and we will be offering our support to them at this difficult time,’ Liverpool said in a statement.

‘A popular member of the Anfield side in the 1990s and a regular pundit and commentator on LFCTV in recent years, Matteo made his debut for the Reds in October 1993.

‘We wish Dom a full and speedy recovery and will offer any support we can to his wife and family.

‘Dom’s family would like to place on record their gratitude to all staff at

Leeds General Infirmary and express their thanks for all of the messages of sympathy and support they have received.’

Matteo played 155 times for Liverpool before moving to Leeds United. He became a fans’ favourite at Elland Road and scored one of the most famous goals in the club’s history — against

AC Milan in the San Siro to earn the club a place in the Champions League knockout stage.

After four years, he moved on to Blackburn and then Stoke, as well as winning six caps for Scotland.

‘Wishing my mate Dominic Matteo a speedy recovery — one of life’s good guys,’ former Liverpool and Leeds striker Robbie Fowler wrote on Twitter.

A Leeds statement read: ‘The thoughts of everyone at LUFC are with our former captain Dominic Matteo and his family right now after he was taken seriously ill earlier this week’, while Blackburn wished him a ‘speedy recovery’.