A brave teenage footballer has died from cancer just months after he had a life-saving operation following a heart attack.

Paisley born Stephen Roy, 18, passed away on Tuesday night after an eleven-month fight against bowel cancer.

Tributes have flooded in for the popular teenager who has been described by his family as a fighter.

The Glenvale under-19s goalkeeper had been diagnosed with the disease last August and had undergone surgery to remove a tumour followed by bouts of chemotherapy.

He suffered a heart attack in March while helping coach kids at Sir Alex Ferguson pitch, near Braehead.

Former St Mirren goalie John Hillcoat performed CPR on Stephen for seven minutes before paramedics rushed him to hospital.

The courageous keeper returned to coaching just one month later after undergoing life saving surgery to have a mini defibrillator inserted into his heart.

His heartbroken family and friends paid tribute to the talented goalie who played for multiple junior football teams throughout his career.

Sister Nic Roy paid tribute to her brother with a series of pictures on social media.

She said: "All I can say is that my brother was a fighter. I'm absolutely heartbroken."

Friends and football teams flooded social media with touching tributes for Stephen.

Stephen's best friend Liam McLaughlin said: "Today I received the news that my best pal for 9 years has sadly passed away. Never thought I'd see day I would have to say goodbye to him."

"You were the strongest boy I knew and you kept fighting, no matter how much pain you were in you showed everyone you were still smiling."

"It's heart breaking to know that our journey together has come to an end but I couldn't have spent that 9 years with anyone better."

"Love you so much mate and until we meet again sleep tight brother."

Caitlyn Roberts said: "So heartbroken that such an amazing boy was taken from us! you will forever be in our hearts Stephen Roy , rip angel sleep tight."

Jamie Skalley said: " Stephen Roy was the most genuine and loving boy you could ever meet not a bad word could be said about him and the amount of people hes touched is not surprising."

"Its not fair that he was taken but he was a fighter now you can rest easy stephen till we meet again."

Stephen played for Glenvale under-19s football team in Cumbernauld.

His team paid tribute to the young star today.

A club spokesman said: “Early yesterday morning, we received devastating news, that our under 19 goalkeeper Stephen Roy, has sadly passed away.

“Stephen will be greatly missed by all his team-mates, coaches and friends within the club.

“RIP Stephen, our thoughts are with Ian, Helen, Nicola and all of Stephen’s family.”

Youth Football Scotland said: "We've received heartbreaking news, that Glenvale AFC U19 player Stephen Roy has lost his fight to cancer.

"Stephen won the Scottish Cup with Rossvale and also played for Greenock Morton and Gleniffer Thistle amongst others.

"RIP Stephen, our thoughts are with your friends and family."