Matt Murray: We will do all we can for Carl

Shocked Murray told the Express & Star he spoke to Ikeme after hearing the news and said the Wolves keeper needed time to deal with the devastating news.

Murray was first team goalkeeper when Ikeme was making his way through the youth ranks at Molineux to eventually challenge him for the No.1 jersey at Wolves – and the pair have been close friends ever since.

“Carl is such a fantastic person, everyone in football is shocked by the news,” said Murray. “My phone has been going crazy with people like Ben Foster and Boaz Myhill at Albion, Joe Hart as well, Carl’s old goalkeeping coach Bobby Mimms – everyone has texted me to ask to pass on their best wishes.

“I’ve known Carl for 15 years or so now and I used think of him as a little brother – but he’s not so little now.

“It’s great when he does well – I feel so proud for him.

“When he first came through, people used to call him Matt Murray because we looked alike. Now people ask me if I’m Carl Ikeme.”

Murray said he met up with Ikeme a fortnight ago for a gym session and added: “There’s no way you would have thought he was ill. He was just back from holiday and he looked so fit.

“That’s the thing about such a horrible illness, it just doesn’t discriminate, it doesn’t matter if you’re a footballer or not.

“Carl is a father, a son, a boyfriend. He’s got a beautiful little girl, so we’re all just so shocked.

“However, there is so much love for him and everyone who knows him will do all we can to help. He was always there to listen me when I had my injury and other issues in my personal life and would always meet up for a coffee.

“He didn’t speak to you in his spare time – he always spared time for you.

“All the lads the will be there for him, in whatever way he needs us. I know the football family and all the Wolves fans will show nothing but love as well.”