Ugo Ehiogu tributes: Football reacts in shock to former Premier League star's death at 44

  • Video shows tribute from Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce

The world of football has reacted in shock to the news of former Premier League star Ugo Ehiogu's death at 44.

Former Aston Villa team-mate Mark Bosnich led tributes to the defender, best known for his years at Villa Park and for Middlesbrough, who earned four England caps.

Everton midfielder Gareth Barry, who played alongside Ehiogu at Villa, told Everton's website his former team-mate was an "incredible defender" and "man mountain".

"You didn’t see too many players get past him with speed or power," Barry said. "He was a fantastic player, massively underrated.

"For the size of the man, he was a gentle giant. He gave everyone time on and off the pitch. My abiding memory of him is that he was a fantastic guy."

Ehiogu's former England team-mates reacted in shock to the news.

Ehiogu's former Villa manager Brian Little also added a heartfelt tribute.

Ehiogu was hailed by the former Premier League players who played against him during his top-flight career, plus team-mates like Keith Gillespie who played with from towards the end of his career.

The centre-back's former clubs joined England in paying personal tributes.

Aston Villa confirmed this Sunday's derby match with Birmingham will see a minute's applause for Ehiogu and all the players wearing black armbands.

The current era of Premier League players also offered tributes to a man who remained high up in the game as a coach for England and Tottenham's youth and Under-23 teams after retiring in 2009.