George Best is not suffering from a life-threatening condition, but will be in hospital for at least another week, his consultant said yesterday. Professor Roger Williams said the former footballer was showing signs of improvement with his liver condition and was eating well and in good spirits.

A statement issued by the private Cromwell Hospital in London where Best is being treated said there was "every expectation" he would make a "substantial recovery".

Best had been unwell "for some time" before he was taken to hospital for urgent tests on a complaint, his agent said earlier yesterday. The 53-year-old star was awaiting the results of a battery of tests on his stomach and liver after entering the Cromwell Hospital on Wednesday with "severe stomach pains".

His agent, John Farrar, denied suggestions that the hard-living former Manchester United player was fighting for his life after suffering liver failure, but confirmed his illness was long-standing. "We do not yet know what is the matter," he said, "but George has certainly not been well for some time. The tests have been done so we can get to the bottom of what is wrong with him. The talk of him being at death's door has been blown out of proportion."