BRENDAN Sheridan - the assistant coach at Oldham Roughyeds battling coronavirus - has been moved out of intensive care.

Club bosses have confirmed the former scrum half or hooker has been moved out of critical care at the West Yorkshire hospital where he was being treated.

And chairman Christopher Hamilton has reported that Brendan is now breathing on his own, as he continues to battle the effects of Covid-19.

Mr Hamilton said: "I am delighted to report that Brendan is now out of intensive care and is breathing on his own

"The last couple of weeks have been very worrying, not least for his family, but in true 'Shez' spirit he has continued to fight this awful virus and hopefully he is now over the worst.

"He is still in hospital and is on a long road to recovery but we are delighted to know he is getting better and the support he has had from everybody at the Roughyeds and from the wider rugby league family has genuinely touched him and his family.

"As we all prepare to come out at 8pm tonight to clap our key workers and NHS staff it would be nice for us to all clap that bit harder to show our appreciation on behalf of Shez to all those who have looked after him so far whilst remembering those who have been less fortunate

"Stay strong Brendan, we are all rooting for you."

Earlier today Ryan Sheridan, Brendan's brother, had posted a heartfelt video message to players and fans at Oldham and his former club Dewsbury Celtic.

Several players had run a mile in support of the assistant coach and a number of Oldham players also passed on their best wishes online earlier in the week.