Tam McManus admits he’s been left stunned that former Celtic player Scott Allan is still a free agent and hopes he isn’t thinking about quitting football.

The midfielder spent between 2015 and 2019 at the Hoops but made less than 20 appearances for the club, spending considerable time away on loan.

Allan, 30, believes he now has an “asterisk” next to his name having been diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart condition which causes fatigue and shortness of breath, as he revealed he is struggling to find a club.

However, McManus is adamant the attacking midfielder still has what it takes to be playing in the Scottish Premiership and has urged clubs to take a chance on him.

“Scott Allan alone is worth paying admission money to see play," he told the Daily Record. "To be honest, I can’t believe no one has signed him yet but his BBC column will maybe bring clarity to potential suitors.

"And it may clear the cloud hanging over him in terms of his overall health. Scott says he’s got an asterisk next to his name after being diagnosed with his heart condition and he understands it’d be an issue for chairmen.

"He is a great lad and his ability will never be in question. I thoroughly enjoyed watching him over the years at Hibs. He clearly still has the hunger to keep playing, so I’d imagine at least a few managers will be trying to get him in.

"I still think he can play at the top level in Scotland but it will depend on what offers come in. What I do know is he has far too much to offer still to be sitting in a studio or going round the shops on a Saturday. I really hope he gets a club and doesn’t pack it in.”