IPSWICH Town legend Kevin Beattie is expected to remain in hospital for several days after suffering from health problems, it has emerged.

Anthony Bond

IPSWICH Town legend Kevin Beattie is expected to remain in hospital for several days after suffering from health problems, it has emerged.

The ex-Blues and England defender was rushed to Ipswich Hospital on Wednesday suffering from problems with his pancreas.

The 54-year-old, who has been voted Ipswich's all-time greatest player in polls, suffered from pancreatitis around 11 years ago.

But speaking last nighthis wife Maggie said there was nothing to worry about.

She said: “He is fine. Hopefully he will be out of hospital on Tuesday or Wednesday but we will not know until he is seen by the doctors on Monday.

“It is nothing to serious and they are just keeping him under observation.

“He is getting better by the day and there is really nothing to worry about. His pancreas has just flared up again but not to the degree it was when he first had pancreatitis.”

Beattie made more than 200 appearances for Ipswich during a distinguished ten-year career, as well as representing England on nine occasions.

He would have played for his country more regularly but his career was dogged by injury.

The respect Ipswich fans have for Beattie is mirrored by his former manager Sir Bobby Robson, who famously referred to the Cumbrian-born star as the best English player he has ever seen.

Popular Beattie still lives in Ipswich and cares for Maggie, who suffers from multiple sclerosis.

Symptoms which reflect pancreatic problems include severe upper abdominal pain and nausea and vomiting.