Liverpool legend Tommy Smith is in hospital after suffering a heart attack at his home on Tuesday.

The 62-year-old ex-defender collapsed at his Crosby home while mowing the lawn but crawled into the house before his wife, Sue, called an ambulance.

The former Reds skipper was taken to Fazackerley Hospital and is expected to be discharged at the weekend.

Liverpool spokesman Ian Cotton said: "Everyone at Liverpool sends him their best wishes for a speedy recovery."

He added: "He is a legend of the club and remains a very popular figure in the press box on match days.

"We look forward to seeing him again fit and well next season."

Smith's former Anfield team-mate Ian Callaghan added: "I'm shocked to hear about this. But he is on the go all the time doing things.

"Only last week we were together for a lunch at the Crowne Plaza. Maybe this is just a little warning. I am sure will be up and about before long."

Smith was famed for his hardman reputation during his playing days and was a fierce tackler with a no-nonsense approach to the game.

Born just a mile from Anfield, he joined the club ground staff as a 15-year-old in 1960.

Smith went on to become the first Liverpool captain to lift a European trophy when Bill Shankly's side won the League and Uefa Cup double in 1973.

He headed the decisive second goal in the 1977 European Cup final against Borussia Monchengladbach on his 600th appearance.

He went on to make 637 appearances for the Reds and had complained recently of chest pains.

He has also been having treatment for painful rheumatoid arthritis.