Niall McGinn has led the tributes to Bailie Hardy after the 16-year-old Glentoran fan sadly passed away on Tuesday after a short illness.
McGinn had paid Bailie a visit last Friday along with Glens teammate Bobby Burns playing a few games of FIFA and gave him tickets for the upcoming Northern Ireland match v Finland.
But the former Dundee was left heartbroken like many at The Oval when they heard of Bailie's passing.
"To think I only met you on Friday for the first time. Such a brave young man. Rest easy Bailie," McGinn tweeted along with a picture of himself and Bobby with Bailie.
Glentoran Football Club posted its own tribute to Bailie saying he would be remembered "as the boy who fought everyday his courageous fight".
In a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, Glentoran highlighted Bailie's fighting spirit following his diagnosis saying he was "a hero and an inspiration to us all".
"Bailie was an absolute warrior. He stayed positive and dealt with months and months of hospital stays and various treatments," the club said.
"He loved football more than anything, particularly his beloved Manchester City and Glentoran FC.
"He had several visits to both when he was in better health. He had a love for wrestling also.
"When Bailie had the operation on his leg the first team invited him down to the Oval. Several Glentoran players visited him at home only to be thrashed at FIFA.
"Elliott Morris bought him his home shirt this season for his visits to the oval and most recently, just last Friday, Niall and Bobby visited Bailie at home where they played a few games of FIFA and gave him tickets for the upcoming Northern Ireland match v Finland.
"Sadly today Bailie lost his fight and passed away. Leaving a devastated family behind.
"Our thoughts go to his parents Christine and Andrew, devoted siblings Ashleigh, Emma, Andrew and Nicole, Grandparents Jim, Peter and Diana. Bailie was also a cherished uncle to Joss, Jax and Jayce.
"We at Glentoran FC will sadly miss him and his banter. Bailie is a hero and an inspiration to us all.
"He fought a great fight and went out on a high. He will always be remembered by us all as the boy who fought everyday his courageous fight. Sleep tight Bailie."
Malone Integrated College also paid tribute to one of its "cherished Malone family members".
"It is with great sadness that we have to say goodbye to one of our cherished Malone family members," a post on its Facebook page said.
"We will always remember the big gentle giant who quietly brought a smile to many faces throughout the School.
"His friends talk about his kindness and his great sense of humour, who always had time to give and friendship to spare.
"All our love and support to his loving family. Today we are completely heartbroken at the loss of such an amazing young man, he will be sorely missed. Rest in peace Bailie, fly high with angels."
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