Tributes paid to Idrizaj

Tributes have been paid to former Liverpool FC reserve team striker Besian Idrizaj who died in his sleep.

The 22-year-old was at home with his family in Austria at the time on Saturday, and is thought to have suffered a heart attack.

 On Swansea City's books, the lifelong Red came to Anfield in 2005, staying with the club until 2008.

The Jacks manager Paulo Sousa said: "It's a very sad time for everyone. It's sad for all the Swansea family, but more importantly his own close family. Our whole-hearted condolences go out to them.

"He was a player I had every faith in. He worked hard throughout the season to get stronger and back to his best and I think by the end of the season all his team-mates could see what a talented boy he was.

 "He was growing and getting better and stronger all the time and I fully expected him to show that talent to everyone in the Championship next season on a regular basis.

"He was fighting hard to fulfil his dream and it's difficult to comprehend why that's been taken away from him at such a young age.

"The only saving grace is that he didn't suffer and he was close to the love of his family at the time."

At six foot two and almost 13 stone, Idrizaj was a powerful striker who brought others into play well. He never broke into Liverpool's senior side, but once scored a hatrick against Wrexham in a pre-season friendly.

 Idrizaj had suffered health problems in the past and collapsed on the pitch while playing for Wacker against Sturm Graz in February 2008. Idrizaj, who made three league appearances in the Championship and one in the Carling Cup last season, joined Swansea in August 2009.

He also had loan spells at Luton, Crystal Palace and Austrian outfit Wacker Innsbruck.

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