Ex-Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba expecting second child 10 months after heart attack at White Hart Lane

New child is a 'blessing' after he 'died' on the pitch in March last year

Fabrice Muamba and wife Shauna, pictured here in November last year, are said to be 'elated' at the prospect of a new baby (Rex Features)

Former Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba is set to become a father again, ten months after 'dying' on the pitch.

According to The Sun, friends of Muamba said he and his wife Shauna are "elated" about their second child, due in June, describing the child as a "blessing" after the cardiac arrest that forced him to retire in August.

Mrs Muamba wrote on Twitter: "Thanks for all the lovely well wishes @fmuamba and I are so happy. We've been so blessed and can't wait to meet our new baby."

A friend told The Sun: "The baby is due in June. they would have been thrilled anyway but given what happened to Fabrice last year, they feel even more blessed and lucky.

“Both were looking forward to 2013 but this makes it more special."

The couple's first child, four-year-old Josh, is said to be overjoyed at the prospect of a brother or sister.

Muamba collapsed during the FA Cup quarter-final against Tottenham at White Hart Lane on March 17 last year and was effectively dead for 78 minutes before medical staff were able to get his heart started again.