Bolton Wanderers striker Kevin Davies has vowed that he and his teammates will support Fabrice Muamba in whatever way they can.

Muamba was forced to retire from football on medical grounds five months after suffering a cardiac arrest in an FA Cup match against Tottenham Hotspur.

The 24-year-old had been hopeful of returning to professional football, and had seemed to be on his way back to fitness when he took part in a kickabout on holiday.

However, doctors warned him against playing again, and Davies is keen to help him with whatever he now chooses to do.

"I'm sure he's disappointed, as we all are, because we were kind of hopeful that we could get him back in the squad," said the veteran striker. "He's a great guy to be around and obviously a very good footballer.

"I texted him yesterday to just to say, look, I believe things happen for a reason in life and it's going to be difficult at the time, but he can take the right steps to go where he wants to go in his future.

"He's a sensible lad, he's a bright lad so I'm sure the club will be there to support him and all his team-mates as well. When he decides where he wants go we'll be there to escort him along the road."

Bolton manager Owen Coyle has also lent his support to Muamba.