TONY MOWBRAY has paid tribute to his former team-mate Marcus Stewart, and wished the former Sunderland striker well in his battle against motor neurone disease.

A statement was issued this afternoon announcing that 49-year-old Stewart has been diagnosed with MND.

MND is a degenerative condition which affects the brain and nervous system. It is a life-shortening condition and there is no cure. Although the disease will progress, symptoms can be managed to achieve the best possible quality of life.

Stewart spent three years on Sunderland’s books between 2002 and 2005, and was part of the Black Cats side that won the Championship title in the 2004-05 season.

Prior to playing at the Stadium of Light, he spent two years at Portman Road, where he played in the same Ipswich Town side as Mowbray.

Speaking at today’s press conference ahead of Sunderland’s weekend game with Millwall, Mowbray said: “I’ve only just found out and while I’m not a medical expert, I do know about motor-neurone disease. I knew Lenny Johnrose, who came to our training ground at Blackburn quite a few times and sadly passed away fairly recently.

“It’s a degenerative disease that shuts the body down bit by bit. I don’t what to say other than, Marcus Stewart – what a fantastic footballer he was. He played in an Ipswich team that finished fifth in the Premier League after that promotion year in 2000. He’s just a great guy really, a lovely football man.

“It’s actually quite painful for me, having a team-mate who’s so young and talented, and such a nice personality. I think he was at Bristol Rovers when I last came across him, on their staff, and I can just wish him well.

“I know how tough motor-neurone disease is – there’s some pretty high-profile people who have it in world sport at the moment, in football and rugby. It’s devastating news, and I find it difficult to put words on it because he was such a good friend and brilliant team-mate.

“I remember Ipswich going to Anfield, and him scoring the winner in a 1-0 win over Liverpool in the Premier League. I’ve got great memories of him, and personally, I prefer to think of those great days and his happy smile, and wish him well in the battle he’s got ahead.”