Celtic defender Alan Stubbs has been re-admitted to hospital following a new cancer scare but has vowed to make a quick return to the Scottish Premier League leaders' first-team.

The 29-year-old, who captained Celtic in Sunday's 4-1 victory over St Johnstone, had to have a testicle removed last June after a routine drugs test revealed that he had a cancerous growth.

Stubbs was given the all-clear but will now be forced to undergo a further three chemotherapy sessions at the Beatson Oncology Unit in Glasgow's Western Infirmary, according to Celtic's official website.

A routine check-up on Wednesday revealed that the former Bolton Wanderers defender has suffered a relapse from the testicular cancer that affected him last year.

Full health

Speaking on the club's website, Stubbs said: "I would like to thank everyone concerned, especially my family, colleagues at the club and the Celtic supporters in particular.

"I have come to terms with the fact that I have suffered a relapse and I intend to face the challenge of getting back to full health, head on.

"Along with everybody's support and my own determination, I look forward to personally thanking you all when I return to Celtic Park in the not too distant future."

An official statement from a club spokesperson said: "Alan and his family will receive the highest level of support from Celtic Football Club.

"The club appreciates that Celtic supporters and the football public in general will be concerned at this development.

Latest setback

"However, the club would like to request that the privacy of Alan and his family be properly respected by all."

Paul Stretford, Stubbs' representative, comments: "I am sure that Alan, with the support of his family and friends, will tackle this latest setback with the same grit and determination that epitomises the man both on and off the field.

"At this moment in time, however, I think it is right that Alan, Mandy and his family are given the privacy, time and space required to come to terms with their situation.

"Alan is very aware of both the public and private support he has throughout the football world and greatly appreciates this."

Shock

Tom Boyd expressed the feelings of the Celtic players: "Obviously it's come as a shock to everyone concerned," admitted the club captain.

"At this moment our thoughts are with Alan and his family.

"But the last time he got though this and I'm sure he will get through this next challenge again and we will all be rooting for him.

"It has come back again and we all wish him all the very best from everybody concerned with the club."