Derby County goalkeeper Josh Vickers has posted a heartbreaking tribute to his wife Laura after she passed away from cancer, just three months after they got married.

Ahead of Saturday’s League One clash between Derby and Carlisle, it was confirmed that Vickers would miss the game at Brunton Park for personal reasons.

The 27-year-old’s teammates warmed up with “Josh 31” on the front of their shirts before walking onto the pitch holding a shirt bearing his name and number.

James Collins, who opened the scoring for Derby in their 2-0 win, would also hold up a “Vickers 31” jersey after the former Arsenal, Swansea City and Lincoln shot-stopper was left out.

Vickers would later confirm that Laura passed away on Tuesday evening following a long battle with cancer.