[Shaun]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...er-battle.html

West Ham striker Dylan Tombides has tragically died at the age of 20.

The Australian had been fighting testicular cancer since 2011. West Ham announced the news on their official website on Friday afternoon.

A statement on West Ham's website read: 'West Ham United announce the sad news that forward Dylan Tombides has passed away at the age of 20 following his brave battle with cancer.

'Dylan passed away on Friday morning with his family by his side having courageously fought the disease for three years after initially being diagnosed with testicular cancer in summer 2011.'

Tombides made his one and only appearance for West Ham in the Capital One Cup in September 2012 and was named on the bench against Burnley just six months ago in the fourth round of the same competition.

West Ham's statement went on: '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.'

Dylan's brother Taylor, a West Ham youth player, tweeted: 'R.I.P. Dylan my beloved brother you will be missed but never forgotten you was a massive inspiration to everyone.'