Footballer's wife fights for life

Colin Hendry (centre) is at his wife's bedside

The wife of former Scotland captain Colin Hendry is critically ill in hospital.

Denise Hendry contracted a blood infection after undergoing a routine operation last week.

The mother-of-four is being treated in the Royal Preston Hospital, in Lancashire, which issued a statement saying she was "very poorly".

It is understood Mrs Hendry, 35, is suffering from septicaemia, which can cause serious organ damage.

She's very poorly and is being treated in the critical care unit

Hospital spokeswoman

The Bolton Wanderers defender's wife was admitted to the hospital on Friday after reportedly falling ill.

Mrs Hendry was admitted to hospital on Friday after falling ill, two days after she underwent an operation.

A hospital spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that Denise Hendry was admitted to the Royal Preston Hospital on Friday.

"She's very poorly and is being treated in the critical care unit."

The spokeswoman added that the family wished their privacy to be respected and no further details would be released.

Paul Lambert: Message of support

Septicaemia can cause high fever and serious organ damage and can be more serious if the patient is unconscious.

Hendry captained Scotland in the 1998 World Cup in France and has won championship medals on both sides of the border with Blackburn Rovers and Rangers.

Current Scotland and Celtic captain, Paul Lambert, said his thoughts were with the family.

He told The Sun newspaper: "Denise is a big Scotland supporter and they are a devoted family.

'Strength to fight'

"Colin gives as much dedication to his wife and kids as he does his football.

"I know they will have the strength to fight through this. I know everyone in the game will be thinking of the Hendry family and willing Denise to get better."

Former Scotland coach Craig Brown said Mrs Henry's illness "puts everything else in perspective".

He said his thoughts were with the Hendry family.