PETER Shilton says he is 'devastated' following the death of his friend and former team-mate Gordon Banks.

England's World Cup-winning goalkeeper Banks died on Monday evening, at the age of 81.

Shilton, 69, who now lives on Mersea Island with wife, Steffi, followed Banks as England number one.

He was a young team-mate of Banks at Leicester City, before eventually taking his first-team spot.

Banks, who earned 73 international caps, is said to have spotted Shilton as a 13-year-old during their time with the Foxes.

Shilton tweeted: 'I’m devastated - today Ive lost my hero our condolences to his family rip Gordon'.

Shilton is England's most-capped footballer after playing 125 games and made his debut for his country in November 1970.

It came a few months after Banks had made what is best remembered as 'the greatest save of all time' against Pele during England's World Cup match with Brazil, at Mexico 1970.

The news of Banks' death was revealed in a statement from his family on the club's official website, www.stokecityfc.com.

It said: "It is with great sadness that we announce that Gordon passed away peacefully overnight.

"We are devastated to lose him but we have so many happy memories and could not have been more proud of him.

"We would ask that the privacy of the family is respected at this time."

Meanwhile, former Colchester United and Ipswich Town favourite Ray Crawford has also paid tribute to England legend Banks.

Crawford played against Banks plenty of times during the goalkeeper's days at Leicester City and Stoke City, even playing between the sticks in a match against the World Cup winner.

Crawford told the Daily Gazette: “It’s very sad news.

“I played against Gordon a few times.

“I remember playing against him for West Brom, when he was at Leicester.

“Our goalkeeper Dick Sheppard got injured and was carried off, so I picked up the gloves and went in goal.

“I had already scored against Gordon in that game but they ended up winning.

“I remember walking off with Gordon at the end and saying ‘how is it that I didn’t let a goal in?’.

“He just gave me his lovely smile and he was a great fellow – a gentleman."