Soccer: Best 'will take four weeks to recover'

It may be four weeks before George Best recovers fully from pneumonia.

The 54-year-old's manager Phil Hughes says Mr Best had a comfortable night in hospital and continues to improve.

The former soccer star has had to cancel a number of engagements and the illness has also delayed work on a Manchester United video and a new autobiography, due out in May.

"He is continuing to improve and feeling a lot more perky than he was, but he still has this cough and rasping in his throat," Mr Hughes said.

"I'd say it will be at least another week before he gets out, but it could be three or four before he is completely over this."

The one-time soccer star, now a commentator with Sky TV, was admitted to Belfast City Hospital on Friday after developing a chest infection.

Mr Hughes added: "If he had his way, he'd be back in the studio by Saturday. But he knows he is going to have to rest once he gets home."