Kieron Dyer: Former England & Newcastle midfielder needs liver transplant

Former England and Newcastle midfielder Kieron Dyer has confirmed he requires a liver transplant after recently being admitted to hospital.

The 42-year-old is currently working for Ipswich Town - the club he made his breakthrough at - as their Under-23s manager, but a statement from the League One club has confirmed a diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis - a liver condition which requires a transplant.

"Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with a condition of the liver a couple of years ago, that would lead to me one day needing a transplant," Dyer said in a statement released by Ipswich on Sunday. "Over the next week, test results will confirm when I need to go through this procedure.

"I see myself as a very positive person that will overcome this minor setback. I'm very grateful to the club, the supporters and the general public for their messages of support over the past week.

"I would like to ask everyone now to respect my privacy, and my family's privacy."

Dyer's near 20-year career as a player began at Ipswich back in 1996, but he's best remembered for his subsequent spell at Newcastle, whom he represented for eight years between 1999 and 2007. He also spent four years at West Ham, but was limited to just 35 appearances in all competitions for the Hammers after struggling with a number of injuries.

Capped by England 33 times, Dyer surprisingly never scored for his country - but did feature under Sven-Goran Eriksson at both the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004.

Since retiring in 2013, Dyer has worked developing Ipswich's young players, both as assistant manager to the Under-18s, and presently as manager of the Under-23 side. He is also known for his occasional punditry duties, and has also taken part in reality TV programmes.