BURNLEY boss Steve Cotterill has dedicated the Clarets' Championship victory over Norwich City to the memory of tragic teenager Tom Smith.

The 14-year-old Clarets fan, from Forrest Beck, Bolton-by-Bowland, finally lost his life in February after a three-year battle with a brain tumour.

The entire Burnley squad attended Tom's funeral after becoming unashamedly attached to the stricken youngster, who joined the club for a training session earlier in the season and touched everyone with his bravery.

Manager Steve Cotterill instantly vowed to dedicate the next victory to Tom and his family.

However, a downturn in fortunes meant that had to wait until Burnley ended a six-game losing streak with a 2-0 win over City at Turf Moor on Friday.

Savouring the full meaning of the victory, Cotterill said: "The biggest thing is we have waited a long time to dedicate this win to the young boy, Tom Smith.

"More than anything else last night, that win was for him.

"There is no better night than having the television cameras here, but never mind about anybody else - me, the players or the supporters.

"That win is for Tom and his family because he was a very brave boy and we have waited too long to dedicate it to him."

Tom, a pupil of Bowland High School, had been treated in the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury before his death.

He leaves mum Julie, dad Chris, younger sister Chloe and brother Lewis.