ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD Taylor Prescott showed the courage that came to define his father, Steve, when he rose to deliver a tear-jerking eulogy at today's funeral.

Speaking to 1,200 people gathered in Lowe House Church and estimated crowds of 1,000 outside, the Liverpool FC junior said: “I want to say a few words about how proud I am of what may dad achieved.

"I have a lot of great memories of the time we had together – and I will remember them forever.

“When I was five and Dad became ill I made him a promise that I would always do my best and follow my dream of becoming a sportsman.

“I hope I can make him as proud of me as I am of him.

“Me and Koby will miss him but we will love him forever.”

His speech led to applause inside and outside the church.

Taylor and his brother Koby, aged seven, had took their places at Lowe House beside their mother, Linzi, at this morning's service.

Mike Denning, the chair of the Steve Prescott Foundation, then spoke, saying thousands had turned up to remember a “great, great person and a great man”.