'Fly high mum, I love you’: Sheffield United star's touching tribute as mum dies

The 23-year-old Blades defender broke the sad news on Instagram last night – and was instantly flooded with messages of support from the football community.

Sharing a black and white snap of his mum Kean wrote: "Yesterday we said our goodbyes to my beautiful Mum.

He told her: "I am so thankful for everything you have done for our family. I am the man I am today because of you.

"I know our time was cut short but I am happy you’re now at peace. I promise to make you proud and look after our family.

"Fly high Mum, I love you."

The footballer’s Coronation Street star girlfriend, Brooke Vincent, who has an eight-month-old son Mexx with the footballer, replied to the post with a golden heart emoji.

As well as tributes from Kean's football teammates, there were also comments from Brooke's Corrie co-stars.

Ellie Leach, who plays Faye Windass on the soap, left a heart emoji.

Brooke and Kean, who plays in the Premier League, have been together since 2016, with the pair moving in together the following year.

Last year they welcomed their son Mexx with Brooke posting a black-and-white picture of his little fingers, writing: "On Wednesday 23rd October at 8.14am Our Baby Boy Arrived. Mexx S J Bryan, you complete us."

Bryan has played three games for United this season.