West Ham youngster Tombides passes away

West Ham United FC forward Dylan Tombides has passed away aged 20 following a three-year battle with testicular cancer.

Tombides was diagnosed with the illness in summer 2011. He went on to make his first-team debut for West Ham as a substitute in a League Cup tie against Wigan Athletic FC in September 2012. Perth-born Tombides was an Australian youth international. There will be a minute's applause prior to West Ham's Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace FC on Saturday afternoon.

"Dylan was respected by everyone who knew him for his intelligent views on the game and his larger-than-life character," read a West Ham statement. "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."