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talkSPORT have confirmed that Manchester United icon Steve Bruce will replace Alan Brazil, with the presenter still not ready to return. Brazil, 66, was pulled from the air mid-show last week after falling ill.

Having started his breakfast show, he did not return, with co-host Gabby Agbonlahor saying: “You’re listening to the talkSPORT Breakfast with me, Gabby. Big Alan Brazil is feeling a bit poorly, but he’ll be back as soon as he can.”

Katie Shanahan, who had been on the air between 5am and 6am stepped in alongside Agbonlahor and offered a further explanation. She said: “Alan Brazil is currently feeling a bit poorly but don’t worry listeners, he’s okay.”

Brazil was expected to resume his role as the host of talkSPORT Breakfast on Wednesday but the channel have confirmed that will not be the case. Instead, Man United icon Steve Bruce has stepped up in his absence and will be joined by popular broadcaster Ally McCoist.

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Bruce, 65, has been out of work since leaving League One side Blackpool back in October. His spell at Bloomfield Road came after the former defender had nearly two years away from football following his exit from West Bromwich Albion.

Bruce has regularly featured on the channel so will be no stranger to listeners. talkSPORT have yet to reveal whether Brazil will return to normal scheduling on Thursday.

Offering an update, he said: “Thanks for all of the messages I’ve received over the past couple of days. I’m fine, just have a wee ear infection, though one of my daughters said it sounds like a bad migraine!

“It’s funny as it’s often when Gabby is on with me! I will be back on Breakfast next week. Just six weeks to go until Cheltenham!”

Brazil has hosted talkSPORT’s daily breakfast show since the channel was launched in 2000. He saw his role reduced in 2020 and shared presenting duties with Laura Woods, while Jeff Stelling often shares the role.

Brazil enjoyed a lengthy career in football before deciding to move into broadcasting. He had a successful spell with Ipswich Town before going on to represent Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Coventry City and Queens Park Rangers. Brazil also made 13 appearances for the Scottish national team, playing at the 1982 World Cup.

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