FORMER Bolton Wanderers striker Ivan Klasnic is critically ill in hospital after his transplanted kidney failed.

The Croatian star, who scored 24 goals in three years with the Whites, first suffered kidney failure while playing for German side Werder Bremen in 2007 and was saved by a kidney donation from his father.

However, that kidney has now also failed and the 36-year-old has been told by doctors that he needs another transplant. A kidney donated by his mother, Sima, was rejected by his body before he received the transplant from his father.

Reports say that Klasnic, who left Wanderers following relegation from the Premier League in 2012, has to travel to a hospital in Hamburg, Germany, three times a week for dialysis and will now need to rely on deceased organ donors and wait to get to the top of the transplant list.

Klasnic last played at the Macron Stadium earlier this year for a special charity match in aid of the Bolton Wanderers Community Trust and the Bolton Wanderers Supporters’ Trust.

The Croatian made 41 appearances for his national side and became the first player to feature at a major tournament after a kidney transplant when he was selected to play at Euro 2008.

In a video message posted on Twitter, Wanderers boss Phil Parkinson wished the forward well on behalf of everyone at the club.

A club spokesman added: "Bolton Wanderers Football Club would like to send its support and best wishes to our former striker, Ivan Klasnic.

"Ivan is critically ill after his transplanted kidney failed and everybody at the Club is thinking of him and his family during this difficult time."

Former teammate Stuart Holden tweeted: "Spread the word to help my good friend Ivan Klasnic. One of the greatest guys I know and a real fighter."

Ex-Bolton left back Marcos Alonso said: "Come on hermano! You gonna get well soon #helpKlasnic"