Celtic players, management and fans have rallied around Welsh striker and Parkhead legend John Hartson after it was confirmed that he is battling brain and testicular cancer.

The 34-year-old Welshman was diagnosed with the disease on Sunday morning after complaining of serious headaches.

Swansea consultant Dr. Gianfilippo Bertelli, who carried out tests on Hartson, said, “Mr. Hartson attended Singleton Hospital on Friday displaying symptoms consistent with testicular cancer.

“A number of clinical tests were put in place and these have confirmed the presence of testicular cancer. Unfortunately, it has also been confirmed that this cancer has spread to Mr. Hartson’s brain.

“We are awaiting the results of further tests to establish a full picture of Mr. Hartson’s diagnosis. We will be commencing a course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy as soon as possible and foresee many months of treatment.

“We realize that Mr. Hartson is a much-loved figure and there are many fans and well-wishers who will be keen to hear news of his progress.

“However, while treatment is ongoing we would ask that the privacy of Mr. Hartson, and all the patients who attend our hospital, is respected.”

Hartson’s family also released a statement which said, “All the family, and John’s friends, are doing all we can to support him and praying that he will make a full recovery.

“John is getting excellent care from the oncologists at the hospital as he begins his treatment. John is a family man and we appreciate all the messages of support we have already received.”

A statement from Celtic offered Hartson the club’s full support. It read, “Clearly, everyone at the club fully supports John and his family at this extremely difficult time.

“It is very difficult for us to understand what John is going through at the moment, but we will offer any support we can to a great Celtic player.”

Celtic kicked off life under new manager Tony Mowbray with a 3-0 win over the Brisbane Roar in Australia when goalie Artur Boruc earned lavish praise from his new boss after a number of fine saves early on.

Chris Killen scored twice and Koki Mizuno secured the win with a late header after Boruc kept his team in contention.

“From day one, walking in the building, I could see how good a goalkeeper Artur is really,” said Mowbray afterwards. “He’s so assured in everything he does and he’s such a big presence and today he proved it on the pitch.

“It’s no secret, I think everyone knows Artur Boruc is a top, top goalkeeper and we’re happy to have him.”

New striker Marc-Antoine Fortune made his debut just hours after joining the club and Mowbray added, “I think he showed how strong he can be, how well he holds the ball up. We were pretty conscious he’s done no training with us really.

“We signed him the day before we came so we didn’t want to rush him into anything. He’ll be fine, I’ve got no fears about his quality and he’ll fit in well.”

Irish players Paddy McCourt and Willo Flood both started the Brisbane friendly as they look to impress Mowbray.

Nancy midfielder Landry N’Guemo is to move on a season-long loan to Celtic.

Swindon, meanwhile, have signed defender Scott Cuthbert from Celtic.