Clarets legends Alan Stevenson and Billy Hamilton have spoken of their immense sadness at the sudden death of their former Turf Moor team mate Billy O'Rourke.

The 41-year-old ex-goalkeeper died on Friday at Preston Royal Infirmary after suffering a brain haemorrhage a weak earlier.

O'Rourke worked closely with the Clarets number one Alan Stevenson in the late 70s and early 80s and the ex-keeper was stunned when he heard the news this morning.

"He was a really good lad Billy, a real laugh," he said. "He was really friendly and just loved life. And he was a brave lad, a lot braver than I ever was.

"He was a good trainer, a good pro and it used to be him and Tony Norman vying for the number two spot behind me.

"It's tragic news when you hear about a former team mate dying so young. I remember when he came I was the senior keeper and Harry Potts used to send us off together and I would look after the training.

"He always had to battle with his weight but he was a very conscientious trainer and worked very hard."

Former Northern Irland star Hamilton was also shocked by the news of his untimely passing and admitted: "It is devastating news when you hear that someone has died so young.

"I was over in Burnley just before Christmas and I had wondered whether I might bump in to him.

"He was a great lad and you could have a really good craic with him. We used to go up to Padiham Working Mens' Club together and we had some really good times. I only have fond memories of him.

"We used to have a good laugh about his size and we used to nickname him four bellies long before Gazza's mate five bellies had been heard of.

"I used to really enjoy doing presentation nights with him, we had great times together and I feel very sorry for his family. My thoughts are with them."

O'Rourke played 17 games in the Clarets goal after signing pro forms as an 18-year-old in 1978. Having been Alan Stevenson's understudy, he left the club in 1983 and played for Chester, Blackpool and Tranmere.