FORMER Newcastle United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop is conscious and recovering after collapsing while broadcasting live on air during last night’s friendly between Real Madrid and AC Milan in the United States.

Hislop was working as an analyst for US broadcaster ESPN during the friendly game, which was staged in California.

The 54-year-old stumbled and fell forwards to the ground while conducting a pitch-side interview before the start of the game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

The coverage immediately cut to a commercial break, with Hislop’s co-presenter, Dan Thomas, calling for medical assistance.

The first-half coverage continued as normal, with Thomas able to deliver a reassuring update during the half-time interval.

Thomas said: “My mate, Shaka, not here, but as it stands, it’s good news.

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“He's conscious. He's talking. I think he's a little embarrassed about it all. He's apologised profusely. Not a man who likes people to make a fuss of him.

“Obviously far too early to make any sort of diagnosis, but the important thing is that Shaka's conscious and we spoke to his family as well, because you imagine seeing that happen live.”

Hislop spent three seasons with Newcastle between 1995 and 1998, making 71 appearances in all competitions and keeping 25 clean sheets.

A popular figure, the goalkeeper also spent time at West Ham United and Portsmouth, and also represented the Trinidad and Tobago national side.