Hopes rise for George Best

Doctors treating George Best are increasingly optimistic he could beat his illness.

Professor Roger Williams, who is leading the team caring for the 59-year-old soccer star, said there was 'an increasing degree of hope' about his condition.

Looking ahead, he said Best should suffer no 'long-term harm from these acute episodes' and could resume a very reasonable standard of living.

'He's a little better and he's now off the ventilator which is very good news. He's recognising people. He's better in that respect but please don't run away with thinking he's fantastic because there's still a long way to go,' he said.

'He has not spoken. He wanted some water just now but I don't think he's very chatty.'

His agent Phil Hughes said he believed Best could even be 'on the mend'.

He said he seemed to recognise him when spoken to and had gripped his hand.

'There's no doubt that he is still seriously ill but little signs like that are enough to say he's on the mend,' Mr Hughes said after visiting Best at the Cromwell Hospital in West London.

'He's fighting very hard. Everything is starting to look more normal in terms of his bodily functions.

'I started to talk to him and he gripped my hand. I have not told him the Man United result yet. That will upset him.' (United were beaten 4-1 by Middlesbrough on Saturday).

Best, who was admitted four weeks earlier with an infection, has been suffering from internal bleeding. His illness is thought to be related to immuno- suppressant drugs he must take to stop his transplanted liver being rejected.