Bret Michaels is a great fighter: Donald Trump

Businessman Donald Trump has praised his Celebrity Apprentice contestant Poison frontman Bret Michaels, calling him a great fighter for the courage he showed during his health crisis.

Michaels, 47, who battled an appendectomy, brain haemorrhage and a mini-stroke brought on by a hole in his heart, has really impressed Trump, 63.

"He has really turned out to be a great character. He's going through a very hard time," the Daily Express quoted Trump as saying.

"He went back into the hospital... They found a hole in his heart and he's really been fighting. He's a great fighter.

"During the show, I realised what a tough guy he was - when I first met him, I didn't know him... He really did a great job," he added.