Hartson still critical but stable

The doctors say that critically-ill former footballer John Hartson remains in a stable condition. The 34-year-old was told he had testicular cancer just over a week ago and doctors had also found that the disease had spread to his brain and lungs. He had surgery on Tuesday to relieve pressure on his brain and was reported to have resumed radiotherapy treatment on Friday. His family said they were overwhelmed by the messages of support for the ex-Wales, Arsenal and Celtic striker. On Friday, Hartson was seen to have been transferred from Morriston Hospital in Swansea to the city's Singleton Hospital to receive radiotherapy to treat the disease. But the player who is a father-of-three has since returned to Morriston's intensive care unit. In a statement, his family said that they want to acknowledge the outstanding care and skill that has been given to John by the medical and nursing staff at both Morriston and Singleton Hospitals. They also want to acknowledge the professionalism of the ambulance service. The family continues to ask for John's privacy and that of his family and the many hundreds of other patients at the hospital to be respected. They said that they continue to be overwhelmed by the many thousands of messages of support and goodwill that continue to come in from football supporters, ordinary people, clubs, and sporting figures from around the world.

Jackie Chan praises kung fu of Will Smith's son

Jackie Chan says 'Kung Fu Kid' co-star Jaden Smith's dedication to martial arts puts his own son to shame. The 11-year-old son of Hollywood stars Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith has been training under Chan's stunt coordinator for his role in the China Film Group-Columbia Pictures remake of the 1984 hit 'The Karate Kid', which kicked off filming in Beijing on July 11. In a diary entry on his official Web site, Chan said he was deeply impressed by the younger Smith's progress when he visited Los Angeles last month. The veteran Hong Kong action star said Jaden Smith learned the Chinese phrases for different kung fu moves, responded to orders in Mandarin, and treated his teacher, Wu Gang, according to traditional Chinese custom. When he was thirsty, he gave the traditional hand gesture, putting one fist into the palm of the other, bowed and asked permission to drink some water," Chan said. Chan said Smith even learned the drunken fighter routine he made famous in his 1978 film 'Drunken Master'. "He put my son to shame! I provided my son with the best martial artists in the world, and he could not be persuaded to try it. In just two months, Jaden had learned so much. He is truly a talented boy," he said, adding he felt Smith was ready to perform his own stunts in 'Kung Fu Kid'.

Wenger feared for Rosicky future

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits that at one stage during Tomas Rosicky's rehabilitation he feared the midfielder's career was over. The 28-year-old Czech made his first appearance in 18 months on Saturday after hamstring and knee injuries. "There was a time when I was worried Tomas wouldn't play football again and he felt the same," said Wenger. "You have to ask and hope if he will ever get back to where we want him to be and the answer looks like yes." Rosicky, whose last appearance came in an FA Cup tie against Newcastle in January 2008, made his comeback by playing the first 45 minutes of the Gunners' pre-season game against Barnet. But, with Emmanuel Adebayor having moved to Manchester City, Wenger is confident the Czech international will still be the same player and hopes he could be available for the Premier League opener against Everton on 15 August. "Tomas had always led a healthy and dedicated life. Mentally he's also very strong," he added. "We have to manage him well and prepare him well. If we come through pre-season well he could start the season. "We must trust the players we have. It's a very important season for us and I believe we are in a very strong position."