Everton and Liverpool have paid tribute to their former player Gary Ablett, who died at the age of 46 last night.

The ex-defender passed away last night after a hard-fought battle with blood cancer.

Everton's statement read: "Everyone at Everton was saddened to learn of the death of Gary Ablett. Ablett remains the only player to have won the FA Cup with both Everton and Liverpool, having helped the Blues win the famous trophy in 1995.

"His playing career also saw him play for Birmingham, Sheffield United and in America, while he coached Liverpool's reserves and Stockport as well as assisting Roy Keane at Ipswich, where he was first taken ill.

"The thoughts of everyone at Everton are with Gary's family and friends at this tragic time."

Liverpool released a statement on their official website, which read: "Liverpool Football Club were today saddened to learn of the death of former player Gary Ablett.

"The Liverpool-born defender was handed his debut by Kenny Dalglish against Charlton Athletic in December 1986 and went on to play 147 games and scored one goal in a red shirt. Ablett helped Liverpool to a fair haul of medals as a player before repeating the trick in the dugout.

"Everyone at Liverpool Football Club sends their condolences to Gary's family."

A number of Ablett's former teammates as well as ex-Liverpool players have spoken about their memories of the late defender.