Former Liverpool and Scotland centre-back Alan Hansen is “seriously ill in hospital”, the Anfield club said on Sunday.

The 68-year-old was a key part of the great Reds teams of the 1970s and 1980s, winning eight First Division titles, three European Cups and two FA Cups.

As a player, Hansen won promotion to the Scottish Premier Division with Partick Thistle before joining Liverpool in 1977 for the start of a successful 14-year spell.

“The club is currently in contact with Alan’s family to provide our support at this difficult time, and our thoughts, wishes and hopes are with Alan and all of the Hansen family,” Liverpool said in a statement.

Liverpool called their “legendary” former captain a “defender of the utmost elegance”.

He won 26 caps for his country and was a member of Scotland’s 1982 World Cup side.

After retiring, Hansen appeared as a pundit on Match of the Day from 1992 until 2014.