John Marsh, 15, was a popular prop for Leigh Miners and played regularly in the Northern Counties League.

He died at the weekend after being involved in an incident outside a house in St Helens late on Saturday evening.

Paramedics and doctors fought to save the former Golborne High School pupil, after he suffered severe stab wounds, but he died in hospital shortly afterwards.

John is believed to have only recently moved to the Sutton Heath area of St Helens from his native Golborne to live with his father.

"Marshy" as he was known to his friends was a former NW Counties player who, having started as a youngster at Haydock, spent several seasons with the club before moving with his family to Lowton and becoming a Leigh Miners player.

Shocked neighbours, team mates and school friends are still coming to terms with the incident.

On an internet page set up in John's honour, the mother of one of his friends wrote: "The tributes that are coming in for this young lad are not just because he has died; they are because he was a well thought of, polite, genuine, popular young man. John called at our home frequently for our son and was always well mannered."

A spokesman for he NW Counties 13-15s League, said : "We would like to express our sincerest condolences at this very sad time to the parents, family and friends of this young man who has been taken from us way before his time."

David Lythgoe, headteacher at Golborne High School, paid tribute to him. He said: "The school community is greatly shocked by this tragic incident.

"John was a very popular and charismatic young man, well known by all year groups in school. He was outgoing and confident, able to mix comfortably with adults and pupils alike. He will be greatly missed by all in school.

"Assemblies have been held for the pupils and support is in place for those closest to him and who are affected most. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

A 17-year-old boy from the Thatto Heath area of St Helens, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before St Helens Magistrates' Court on Monday, November 23, charged with murder. A 44-year-old woman who was also arrested following the incident has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.