'Stable night' for Best

George Best has briefly opened his eyes in hospital but is not yet awake, his agent said today.

Phil Hughes said the former Manchester United star had a stable night but was still critically ill.

The 59-year-old has been in intensive care in the Cromwell Hospital, west London, after he was struck down by a lung infection.

Mr Hughes said: “He’s had a stable night. Nothing much has changed, which in itself is good news.

“Last night he briefly opened his eyes for a second but he’s not awake.

“They are still waiting for him to come round.”

Yesterday afternoon, doctors stopped sedation and were waiting to see if the ex-Northern Ireland player regained consciousness.