Paul Lambert revealed Fabrice Muamba's cardiac arrest during Bolton's weekend FA Cup tie at Tottenham brought back painful memories of his former team-mate Phil O'Donnell.

The former Scotland midfielder died in 2007 after suffering a cardiac arrest playing for Motherwell against Dundee United. Muamba remains in a critical condition after emergency treatment on the pitch at White Hart Lane. Both sets of players, management, support staff and fans took part in a round of applause at the Sports Direct Arena for the former England U21 international prior to yesterday's Premier League game in the north-east.

'That was horrific to see the incident and hopefully the lad is going to be okay,' said Lambert, who was unable to confirm reports Muamba's ex-international team-mate and injured Norwich striker James Vaughan had visited the 23-year-old in hospital. 'No-one wants to see that. It happened up in Scotland a few years ago to a good wee friend of mine. I know what people are going through so hopefully he is going to pull through.

'He is only young but that doesn't make it any easier to see and when things like that happen it puts things into perspective. I don't know (about James). I have just heard that myself. Vaughany hasn't travelled with us but if that is the case then he will be very upset, like the rest of us.

'Everybody in the squad knew what had gone on and that the game had to be called off. Sometimes as a manager you don't want to raise it because it can make things harder.'