THE family of grieving footballer Colin Cooper are thanking the world for the overwhelming number of condolences received following his toddler son's tragic death.

Messages of sympathy received by the Middlesbrough defender and his wife, Julie - after the two-year-old choked on a toy - have poured in from the UK, Ireland, Europe, the US, Australia and Kuwait.

Middlesbrough FC has received cards, telephone calls, letters and flowers from supporters, clubs and former team-mates.

The club has received so much mail it plans to put the messages in a book of condolence, which will be presented to the family.

Unable to thank well-wishers in person, the family has posted its thanks on the Internet.

The child's aunts, Jill and Debra, say: "No one can put into words how Colin and Julie are coping with the loss of our dear Finlay.

"But, on behalf of Colin, Julie and family, we would like to thank each and every one of you who have taken the time to send their condolences to them at this very, very sad time.

"We have found great comfort in reading every single message that has been sent, as have Colin and Julie, and Finlay's grandparents."

Finlay choked just hours after Cooper, 34, celebrated his team's recent victory over Manchester United.