Horsfield is back in football after beating testicular cancer

New Port Vale assistant manager Geoff Horsfield says he is praying John Hartson can overcome testicular cancer.

Ex-Celtic and Wales striker Hartson has been diagnosed with the disease, which has also spread to his brain and lungs.

Horsfield quit football to fight testicular cancer before returning when he was given the all-clear.

"My thoughts and prayers are with John. I would love to speak to him and I am trying to do that," the 35-year-old told BBC Radio Stoke.

Horsfield signed a one-year contract with Port Vale on Tuesday and will work at Vale Park as number two to manager Micky Adams.

The former West Brom and Sheffield United striker spent the latter half of last season as player coach at Peter Jackson's Lincoln City.

He retired from playing in 2008 after being diagnosed with the disease, but joined the ranks at Sincil Bank after recovering from the disease.

"The problems I have encountered over the last 12 months are now behind me," he added.

"Getting cancer was something I had to get over. I got it, wanted to beat it and I did. Now I am just glad that I've got another chance in football."

Hartson, who was capped by his country 51 times, began his career with Luton Town as a 17-year-old before moving to Arsenal for £2.5m.

He also had spells at West Ham, Wimbledon and Coventry and moved to Celtic in 2001, spending six years with the Scottish Premier League side.

The 34-year-old, who also had short spells with both West Bromwich Albion and Norwich at the end of his career, retired in 2007.

Since being diagnosed with testicular cancer Hartson has had surgery to relieve pressure on his brain and is undergoing radiotherapy treatment.

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