MIDDLESBROUGH FC medics have been praised for helping save a fan's life after he became unwell and stopped breathing during last night's game.

Boro's medical department were the first on the scene when an elderly man in the crowd, at Ewood Park, needed urgent medical help.

They were able to restart his breathing and he was taken to hospital and is now said to be in a stable condition.

Play was halted for almost 10 minutes as the situation was dealt with in the Jack Walker Stand.

In particular, fans have praised Teesside doctor Dr Tom Prichard, who works in A&E at North Tees Hospital in Stockton as well as with the club.

Just three months ago he was involved in helping to save the life of another football fan.

That time Dr Prichard, a Newcastle United season ticket holder for 14 years, rushed to the aid of a fellow Magpies fan after seeing a commotion in the crowd when the gentleman suffered a cardiac arrest.

A Rovers spokesperson said last night: "Blackburn Rovers are pleased to report that the elderly gentleman who required urgent medical attention during tonight’s game is now in a stable condition in hospital.

"The Rovers supporter, who was situated in the lower tier of the Jack Walker Stand, took ill midway through the second half of the 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough.

"Rovers wish to pay a special thanks to Middlesbrough’s medical department, who were first on the scene and who were able to restart the gentleman’s breathing, as well as Rovers’ medical staff and the crowd doctor and his team for their swift response.

"After regaining consciousness, the supporter was taken by ambulance to hospital, where he is alert and stable.

"Our thoughts remain with him and his family this evening, and we hope that he makes a fully and speedy recovery."

And Middlesbrough FC sent their best wishes to the fan.

Speaking after the game, Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray said: “It was mentioned in the dressing room, the whole team were asking after him.

“This club is a very caring club about the community and we’ll be doing everything we can to support the gentleman and his family and we wish him well.

“I’m sure he’s in good hands and hopefully we get positive news very soon.”