Support shown as Kenny Dalglish battles coronavirus

Paul Dalglish has thanked the football community for its “truly humbling” support after his father Kenny tested positive for coronavirus.

The Dalglish family released a statement on Friday night which confirmed the 69-year-old Celtic and Scotland legend had been hospitalised on Wednesday in order to treat a separate infection which required intravenous antibiotics.

The former forward, who also played for Liverpool with distinction in the 70s and 80s, and managed the club twice, was given a routine test for Covid-19 after being admitted and the result showed up as positive – although he is displaying no symptoms.

Paul Dalglish, who played for the likes of Newcastle, Norwich and Wigan and now serves as general manager of Miami FC, added his personal thoughts via Twitter overnight.

“It’s not my place to comment on my old man, he can do that for himself in due course,” he began.

“Truly humbling messages from supporters of all teams. I’m sure we can all agree this is more important than football & that we are all united as blues to support the NHS. Stay safe everyone.”

Kelly Cates, Dalglish’s daughter, also posted on Twitter, adding: “Thank you so much for your lovely messages and I’m really sorry I can’t reply to them all”.

The official statement had earlier outlined the medical position following his initial treatment.

Prior to his admission to hospital, Sir Kenny had chosen to voluntarily self-isolate for longer than the advised period together with his family.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard, who played under Dalglish at Liverpool, sent his support on Instagram.

The former Liverpool captain posted a picture of one of his daughters alongside Dalglish on Instagram and wrote: “Get well soon king”, in a nod to his old manager’s nickname.

Jamie Carragher also wrote on Instagram: “Hopeful Kenny will be rid of the virus ASAP.”

Ian Rush also took to the social networking website to pay tribute to his former Liverpool team-mate, who won the European Cup on three occasions during an illustrious playing career with the Merseysiders.

Rush wrote: “Wishing a speedy recovery to the best…Sir Kenny Dalglish. Get well soon.”