THE Professional Footballers’ Association has praised Stephen Darby’s “bravery and dignity” in the face of his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease.

Matthew Buck, director of player management at the PFA and Darby’s representative since the age of 17, said the defender had been a model professional throughout his playing career with Bolton, Bradford City and Liverpool.

Specialists have confirmed that Darby has the incurable condition, leading to the player’s immediate retirement from the game.

“As a footballer Stephen has been the epitome of a true professional,” said Buck. “Since I first met him and began representing him at the age of 17, he has dedicated himself to the sport and has had a successful career, whilst experiencing the high and lows of the game.

“Stephen won two Youth Cups with Liverpool and presented England at Under-19 level. He made his debut for Liverpool, in the Champions League against PSV Eindhoven in December 2008.

"Stephen had loan spells with Swindon Town, Notts County and Rochdale before a permanent move to Bradford City in the summer of 2012. Stephen was part of the successful Bradford side that won promotion to League One and had an unlikely run to the 2013 League Cup final beating three Premier League sides before finally falling to Swansea City at Wembley.

“Whilst at Bradford he made 236 appearances, captaining the team for two seasons. Stephen joined Bolton Wanderers in the summer of 2017, linking-up with his former Bradford City Manager, Phil Parkinson.

“Stephen has become a good friend over the years and knowing Stephen throughout his football career I am sure he will face the future with the same determination and resolve he shown throughout his football career.

“I have seen first hand how difficult the last few weeks have been for Stephen, Steph and his family but he has conducted himself with a tremendous amount of dignity and bravery. Stephen has been a credit to his profession and myself and the PFA will continue to support Stephen in his battle ahead against Motor Neurone Disease.

“All at the PFA would like to offer Stephen and his family our full support during this time.”