Former Ipswich boss Sir Bobby Robson today paid tribute to John Lyall, who helped him as part of the England scouting set up before and during the 1990 World Cup in Italy.

Former Ipswich boss Sir Bobby Robson today paid tribute to John Lyall, who helped him as part of the England scouting set up before and during the 1990 World Cup in Italy.

Sir Bobby said: "He was a proper person and a proper football coach.

"He was respected by players and loved the game, wanting it to be played in the way the public wanted.

"He was a disciplinarian, but that was more through his attitude towards the game.'

West Ham will face Middlesbrough in an FA Cup semi-final at the weekend, and Robson added: "Maybe it's an extra spur for players to go out and represent John Lyall and give the fans the result they want.'