TRIBUTES have been paid to a promising former Morton youth player who has tragically died aged just 18.

Goalkeeper Stephen Roy, who spent two seasons with the Cappielow youth academy, passed away on Friday.

It is understood the highly thought of teenager died following a battle with cancer.

Derek Anderson, head of Morton’s youth academy, today led the club’s tribute to Stephen.

He said: “Everyone at Greenock Morton FC is saddened to hear of the tragic loss of Stephen, who was part of our youth academy for two seasons at U14 and U15 level. 

“Stephen was a talented goalkeeper who was a credit to his family, a great person and player to have around the club, someone who obviously enjoyed his football.

“We would like to take this opportunity to offer our condolences and best wishes to his family at this difficult time.”

The young keeper was in the Ton youth side coached by former Cappielow duo Peter Weatherson and Sean Crighton in a team that also included winger Scott Tiffoney, who made a goalscoring senior debut in a friendly match against Livingston last week.

Earlier this year the young keeper suffered a heart attack on the pitch during a training session coaching with a goalkeeping academy run by ex-Ton keeper John Hillcoat.

Hillcoat, who had a spell at Cappielow in the late 1990s, and a parent saved his life after performing CPR until paramedics arrived.

The teenager then had a mini-defibrillator inserted into his heart to restart it in the event of another attack, and he bravely returned to coaching just a month after the ordeal.

Friends of Stephen have been left devastated by his death and took to social media to express their sadness.

Natalie Scott said Stephen was a ‘strong, inspirational and funny boy’.

She added: “Thinking of all his family and friends at this time. Have so many memories together that I will cherish forever.

“Rest in peace my love, you’re one in a million.”

Another friend, Olivia Smith, added: “Such a lovely boy will be missed by everyone who knew him.”