Zenon Stylianides has been with Tottenham's academy since he was seven

Tottenham youngster Zenon Stylianides played in an U21 game on Friday despite knowing his sister's death was imminent and she sadly passed away 10 minutes into the match.

The 17-year-old started in Spurs' 3-1 win over Chelsea having been told by his mother on the journey to the game that his older sibling Debi did not have long to live.

Debi is understood to have been suffering from blood cancer for the last two years, and Stylianides released a touching tribute to her, revealing that they were able to speak shortly before her death.

He said on Twitter: "The journey before arriving at [the] game receiving a call from my mum [to] say my sister is going to die, happy to have spoke to her, unfortunately passing away 10 mins into the game.

"Taking a vital risk on willing to play and tell my coach I'm playing, having to win and having to put pressure on myself as well as mum and dad saying "do it for Deb", and Deb your luck helped.

"Won for you, Love you big sis. Rest in Paradise."

A Tottenham spokesperson said on Sunday: "We are aware of Zenon and his family's tragic loss and are doing everything we can to support him at this difficult time."

Edmonton-born Stylianides has been part of Tottenham's academy since he was seven years old and was a regular for the U18s last term.

He has successfully stepped up to the U21s this season after several substitute appearances towards the end of the last campaign.