Paulo Sousa has paid an emotional tribute to Besian Idrizaj after learning of the striker's tragic passing on Saturday. The 22-year-old forward died in his sleep while at home with his family in Austria and, although the exact cause of death is yet to be established, Idrizaj is believed to have suffered a heart attack according to reports in his homeland.

The Swansea boss told the club's official website: "It's a very sad time for everyone. It's sad for all the Swansea family, but more importantly his own close family. Our whole-hearted condolences go out to them."

Idrizaj, who made three league appearances in the Championship and one in the Carling Cup last season, joined Swansea in August 2009, having previously spent three years with Liverpool, and had a year left to run on his contract with the Swans.

Idrizaj had suffered health problems in the past and collapsed on the pitch while playing for Wacker against Sturm Graz in February 2008.

Sousa added: "He was a player I had every faith in. He worked hard throughout the season to get stronger and back to his best and I think by the end of the season all his team-mates could see what a talented boy he was.

"He was growing and getting better and stronger all the time and I fully expected him to show that talent to everyone in the Championship next season on a regular basis.

"He was fighting hard to fulfil his dream and it's difficult to comprehend why that's been taken away from him at such a young age. The only saving grace is that he didn't suffer and he was close to the love of his family at the time."