West Ham United youngster Dylan Tombides has died of cancer at the age of just 20.
Tombides was a highly promising striker and he made his first-team debut in a League Cup tie for West Ham in September 2012. The Australian represented his country at U17 and U23 level.
He was initially diagnosed with testicular cancer in the summer of 2011 but after treatment he managed to restart his career in 2012 and make it into the first-team set-up.
Tombides also did a huge amount of work to raise awareness of male cancer, supporting the One for the Boys campaign at a number of high-profile events.
However, his illness returned and he passed away on Friday morning with his family by his side.
West Ham said in a statement confirming the sad news that he had a "positive attitude and professional approach to his football and training always impressed and boosted his team-mates and coaches alike.
"Dylan was respected by everyone who knew him for his intelligent views on the game and his larger than life character. He was a loving son, amazing brother and well-respected member of the West Ham squad. He will be hugely missed by everyone who had the honour of knowing him," they added.
"His passing will be marked by a minute's applause ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League fixture with Crystal Palace at the Boleyn Ground. The Hammers' players will also wear black armbands in his memory.
"The thoughts of everyone associated with the club are with his parents Tracylee and Jim, brother Taylor, his family and friends at this sad time. The club request that their privacy is now respected and they are allowed to grieve their much loved son and brother in peace."
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