Jimmy Greaves out of intensive care and able to sit up as former Tottenham and England striker recovers from 'severe stroke'

Greaves suffered a stroke last Sunday and his recovery has been described as a 'long, slow road'

Tottenham legend Jimmy Greaves has defended fans use of the word 'Yid' (Getty Images)

Jimmy Greaves is out of intensive care following the severe stroke he suffered on Sunday and is able to sit up in bed, his family has said.

The former Tottenham and England striker, 75, was admitted to hospital at the weekend.

A statement from the family released to Press Association read: "We can tell you that Jimmy is out of intensive care and is able to sit up in bed. Whilst he is by no means out of the woods there is room for cautious optimism.

"We would like to thank all the staff at the hospital who have been fantastic. We would also give thanks to over 30,000 well-wishers including many players and ex-TV colleagues as well as so many fans, that have sent messages and love to Jim at this most difficult of times. The support shown has been amazing and heart warming.

"Please continue to have good thoughts for him for the long road ahead as he fights this terrible thing that has happened."

Greaves was admitted to intensive care on Sunday and on Tuesday his wife Irene disclosed that he was conscious and aware of the seriousness of his condition, but unable to speak.

Greaves remains Tottenham's record goalscorer (Getty Images)

The ex-Tottenham, Chelsea and West Ham star suffered a minor stroke in 2012, but appeared to have made a full recovery. He was due to be inducted into the Tottenham Hall of Fame on May 13 at a sell-out ceremony at White Hart Lane but that has now been postponed.

Greaves is regarded as one of the greatest English goalscorers of all time - he scored 44 goals in 57 games for his country and also netted a club-record 266 times in 379 matches for Tottenham.

After retiring from the game, Greaves co-hosted the popular Saturday lunchtime football show Saint and Greavsie alongside former Liverpool forward Ian St John.

PA