FIFA president Sepp Blatter has deemed Fabrice Muamba's slow recovery from a cardiac arrest a "miracle".

The Bolton Wanderers midfielder is showing signs of improvement following the incident at White Hart Lane, in which the 23-year-old's heart stopped beating for 78 minutes.

"It's a miracle," said Blatter. "When I saw it on the television, it was terrible. I had a phonecall from Phil Gartside, the chairman of Bolton, and I have to say it was a very emotional call and, as he said, from time to time there are forces somewhere, that have nothing to do with reality.

"[Gartside] speaks about the miracle and I speak about a miracle as well. I am a deeply faithful man, a religious man, and I believe there is something more than just playing the game. There is somebody who looks after us."

Meanwhile, Trotters boss Owen Coyle has claimed that it will be "difficult" to focus on Bolton's match against Blackburn Rovers this weekend.