Former Nottingham Forest, Manchester City and England defender Stuart Pearce suffered a health scare while on a flight out of Las Vegas. The 62-year-old is now understood to be in a stable condition after pilots were forced to land in Canada due to the medical emergency.

Fanatical Warrington Wolves fan Pearce had been in the States to watch his side take on Wigan Warriors in a Rugby League match on Saturday. On a flight back to the UK, Pearce complained of chest pains and was subjected to medical tests once the plane had landed earlier than planned.

Staff members then hooked the talkSPORT pundit to a monitor and made constant checks as his partner and concerned passengers looked on. The crew then took the decision to divert the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to St John’s in Canada, landing early on Monday morning.

The Virgin Atlantic flight had taken off from Las Vegas 8.45pm Sunday evening and was heading for Heathrow before the incident took place. Remaining 225 passengers eventually landed in London around 6.15pm on Monday, six hours later than scheduled.

Pearce is now said to be recovering in hospital. He and his partner had been sitting in the economy section of Flight VS156 when fellow travellers became worried after he was seen wincing during the journey.

“Stuart’s pains appeared to be getting worse as the flight continued,” a source told The Sun. “He was constantly shifting position in his seat to try and find some comfort. It was very clear the situation was serious.

“The crew and other passengers trained in first aid were marvellous. He received the best available care in the circumstances and was so grateful to everyone involved, and for the plane diverting to Canada.”

Pearce had been due to speak at Christ The King Parish Centre in Coventry on Thursday night. However, organisers said his appearance was being called off “due to unforeseen circumstances” and he was replaced by John Barnes.