Football legend George Best is recovering well after a liver transplant operation and could be out of intensive care by this afternoon, a hospital spokesman said.
"His condition improved late last night," said Professor Roger Williams, consultant physician at the Cromwell Hospital, west London, where Best, 56, underwent his transplant on Tuesday.
"Many surgical problems anticipated clearly haven't come to much. The surgeons are very pleased indeed at his progress," added Williams.
"If he goes on as he is doing at present he should be out of intensive care late today or tomorrow."
He added that patients usually spent between seven and 14 days in hospital after such an operation.
Best, a former Manchester United and Northern Ireland star, was placed on the transplant waiting list nine months ago after doctors warned his liver was permanently damaged by decades of alcohol abuse.
He was being watched over in hospital by his 29-year-old wife Alex.
Best was warned two years ago that he would die unless he quit drinking and has since been undergoing an intense course of treatment.
PA