TRIBUTES have been paid to football legend Emlyn Hughes by Abberley racehorse trainer Alan Juckes.

The former England and Liverpool captain died at his home in Sheffield yesterday, aged 57, after a 15-month battle with brain cancer.

The winner of 62 England caps, who captained his country 23 times and won two European Cups and five league championships, Hughes cherished a lifelong ambition to own a runner in the Grand National.

With Mantles Prince, a 10-year-old gelding trained by Mr Juckes at Worsley Racing Stables, Abberley, he saw his ambition fulfilled, for two years in succession.

"I had lunch with him at Aintree this year. He wasn't very well then, but it gave him a lift to see his colours in the National.

"I am very, very sad to hear of his death," said Mr Juckes. "I have had his horse for about three years and Emlyn was an absolute gentleman the whole time I had dealings with him.

"He was exactly the same as he was on TV in A Question of Sport. He always had a sense of humour and he always had time to speak to the boys and girls in the yard.''

The trainer came to know Hughes through his father, Rod.

A former Kidderminster Harriers player, Rod Juckes had taken part in charity football matches with the football ace.