Best partly conscious

George Best is now partly conscious and is able to move his head and eyes, the doctor treating him said today.

Professor Roger Williams said the 59-year-old former football star had shown signs of improvement but warned against giving hope that Best would make a full recovery.

Best is in the intensive care unit at the Cromwell Hospital, west London, after he suffered a severe setback and a lung infection.

Prof Williams said: “The situation is rather better than yesterday.

“Mr Best is now rousable, he does respond to commands.

“He does respond when you put the facts or questions to him, he just responds.”

But he added: “He is not fully conscious by any means."