LONDON - The agent of Jimmy Greaves says the health of the former England striker is improving following a severe stroke.

Greaves remains in hospital after suffering the stroke on May 3.

Greaves' agent, Terry Baker, posted a statement on his client's Facebook page on Wednesday, saying "it's a long hard road ahead but there is room for cautious optimism."

In a message to well-wishers, Baker says Greaves and his family want "to convey how much it means . that there have been hundreds of cards and gifts and flowers and many many thousands of messages of goodwill on social media."

With 44 goals in 57 international matches, Greaves is England's fourth-highest scorer and was part of the 1966 World Cup-winning squad.