Former Cardiff starlet Rhys Kelleher, 28, dies after battle with cancer
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CARDIFF have paid tribute to their former player Rhys Kelleher, who has died aged 28.
Kelleher, who started training with the club as a schoolboy, passed away after a year-long battle with cancer.
The winger progressed through the Championship club's academy into their under-21 side - but was unable to force his way into the first team.
After deciding to give up on a career in the professional game to study at university, he then went on to join South Wales Police.
Former Cardiff Academy coach Geraint Twose said: "As a player Rhys was exciting to watch and when the ball was at his feet he liked nothing better than running at defenders, using his electric pace to expose full backs in 1 v 1 situations.
"Rhys loved the challenge of competing in those 1v1 battles and would never shy away from the ball, always being available to score goals himself or to create chances for his team-mates.
"That positivity, energy and appetite for the game is a fantastic example for young players coming through the system today.
"Away from the pitch Rhys’s attitude was no different. So enthusiastic and passionate about the game, full of energy, dedication and drive to give 100 per cent every day - an attitude that not just benefited Rhys, but also had a positive influence on his team-mates around him.
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"Whatever Rhys chose to do in life he would make it a success, that was just his character - do it well or don’t do it at all - and that never changed.
"He never stopped fighting and never stopped believing he wouldn’t beat his illness.
"Thank you Rhys, it’s been a privilege to see the person you became and your character, ability and attitude are qualities that should inspire any young footballer today."