Former teammates and ex-players have paid tribute to former Liverpool and Everton defender Gary Ablett after the 46-year-old passed away last night.

The news emerged this morning that Ablett died peacefully yesterday after losing his fight with cancer.

Tony Cottee: "[Ablett] was a very nice man, he wasn't one of those guys that got too angry. He was a family man and that's the most important thing that I remember about him. There was alot of pressure on him [when he left Liverpool for Everton] but he slotted in the team and he was a fantastic player to have around."

Roy Evans: "It's a big shock. Obviously Gary's been ill for a while. It's a real sad day. He was a really good professional, he never let you down, he was very steady. They're the type of people you have to take your hat off too sometimes."

Didi Hamann: "It's devastating news. He wasn't in the best health in the last few months but once it happens it devastating news. He's a very highly regarded and well respected man on Merseyside and a true legend."

Michael Owen: "So sad to hear the news that Gary Ablett has passed away today aged 46. He played for some great clubs and had a career to be proud of. RIP."

Ablett was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2010.