Jake Craddock died on Wednesday morning from suspected cot death.

Sunderland Football Club announced the news in a statement.

It is believed Jake was at home with his father and mother, Shelley, when he died.

Something like this really puts a lot of things in perspective for fans

Pete Daykin, fanzine

Sunderland Football Club has cancelled training and called off a reserve match at Birmingham City on Wednesday evening as a mark of respect.

The club said: "Everyone at the club is shocked and saddened by Jody and Shelley's devastating loss and the thoughts and prayers of all players and staff are with them.

"The club respectfully requests that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time."

Craddock had been expected to travel with the reserve team to the Midlands.

'Talented player'

Despite being voted the club's player of the season last season by readers of fanzine A Love Supreme, he was left out of the starting 11 for the game at Blackburn at the weekend.

Pete Daykin, from the fanzine, told BBC News Online fans were devastated by the news.

"At a time when Sunderland fans are divided on so many issues we are sure that all supporters of the club would join us in sending our best wishes and condolences to Jody and Shelley at this awful time.

"Something like this really puts a lot of things in perspective for fans.

"Everyone I have spoken to has been completely devastated at the news.

"Jody is a really nice lad and an extremely popular, talented player."