Young Aussie footballer Dylan Tombides dies

Inspirational Australian footballer Dylan Tombides has lost his brave battle with cancer, aged 20.

The West Ham United striker had battled testicular cancer for three years, after being diagnosed in 2011.

He passed away on Friday with his family by his side, the English Premier League club said in a statement on its official website.

"He remained a regular visitor to Chadwell Heath throughout his treatment and his positive attitude and professional approach to his football and training always impressed and boosted his team-mates and coaches alike," the statement said.

"Dylan's amazing resilience and positivity saw him through months of surgery and chemotherapy, while his outstanding talent saw him make his first-team debut in a League Cup tie with Wigan Athletic at the Boleyn Ground in September 2012.

"Away from the pitch, Dylan 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 alongside the likes of Hollywood star Samuel L. Jackson, snooker star Jimmy White and fellow Australian Peter Andre.

"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."

The statement went on: "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."

The club will honour him with a minute's applause ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League game with Crystal Palace.

The club's players will also wear black armbands in his memory.