The family of Kevin McCloy has thanked medical staff treating the former the Derry captain and appealed for privacy after his collapse last night.

McCloy is "undergoing assessment" at Altnagelvin Hospital after collpasing 10 minutes into a club game between his side Lavey GAA and Magherafelt at Owenbeg.

The 35-year-old was treated at the scene before being taken to the Derry hospital where his condition was said to be improving.

“Kevin’s wife and family are very grateful to those who are caring for Kevin and to all who have offered good wishes and prayers for Kevin,” read a statemenet this morning. “At this time they request that their privacy be respected.”

Derry GAA chairman John Keenan added: “The thoughts of Derry GAA, its clubs and players are with Kevin McCloy, his family and all at Lavey GAA. We would like to praise the players, match officials and stewards, and the medical teams of both clubs at Owenbeg for their swift actions in attending Kevin.

“In particular, I wish to commend the efforts of the doctors and paramedics present at the ground, and the swift response of the paramedics from Altnagelvin Hospital.”

Lavey said their captain and his family were “all in our thoughts and prayers at this time.”