2 Footballers Die Within Hours Of Each Other

Tributes have been paid to two teenage footballers who died within hours of each other.

Jamie Skinner, 13, was playing for Edinburgh-based Tynecastle FC against Spartans FC when he collapsed during the match in Saughton yesterday. 

Spectators and paramedics tried to revive him but he died soon after arriving at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. 

The death came hours after Hibernian player David Paul, 18, died in his sleep in the early hours. 

There are no suspicious circumstances and post-mortem examinations are to be held this week. 

Tynecastle and Hibs led the tributes to the teenagers. 

A statement from Tynecastle said: ''Although Jamie was new to our Tynecastle family, he had up until recently been playing for Hearts. He was a prospect that undoubtedly would have had a bright future in the game. 

''No words can fully express our grief and dismay at seeing this happen. We can only pass on all our thoughts and prayers to friends and family and hope they will get some strength from the outpouring of love and support from everyone. 

Hibs chairman Rod Petrie said: ''Everyone at the club is deeply affected by this. David was a talented and promising young footballer, and a fine young man. Our thoughts - and the thoughts of the entire Hibernian community - are with his family at this dreadful and difficult time for them.`` 

Scottish football clubs expressed their sorrow and team-mates of the young players left tributes on Facebook and Twitter. 

Jamie's friend Russell Cairns wrote: ``It was a pleasure to play alongside him at Hearts he was a legend, RIP my friend.'' 

Professional football players and sports stars expressed their shock at the deaths. 

Scotland international Charlie Adam wrote on Twitter: ``Thoughts go out to the family of Jamie Skinner who sadly died playing football today ... He was playing for hearts v Dundee. RIP.'' 

Former Liverpool and England striker Robbie Fowler added: ``Terrible news about the 2 young players in Scotland. RIP Jamie Skinner, RIP David Paul.'' 

As a mark of respect, all Tynecastle teams will hold a minute's silence before their next game. 

Scottish tennis player Jamie Murray wrote on Twitter: ``RIP David Paul and Jamie Skinner. Both terrible tragedies. Life doesn't make sense sometimes.'' 

Mark Wotte, the Scottish Football Association's performance director, works with many young footballers across the country. 

He said: ``Very sad news and devastated to hear young Jamie Skinner has passed away on the football pitch, my thoughts are with his family and Hearts FC. 

``Can't believe another young player passed away in his sleep today. RIP David Paul. My thoughts are with his family and Hibernian FC.''