The Senegal captain lost his relatives when a state-owned ferry capsized off the coast of Gambia on 26 September, killing 1000 people.

Cisse played in the 2-1 win over West Ham on Saturday despite the tragedy.

Blues boss Steve Bruce praised the player's courage.

"Just to turn up and play shows a massive commitment and great mental strength," he said.

"He did not even tell us about it until Friday when he was arranging his flights - we had heard a whisper about it on Thursday but Aliou said he wanted to concentrate on this game.

"The whole thing certainly puts football into perspective."

Bruce said Cisse would be given as much time to grieve as he needed.

"It's a terrible personal tragedy for Aliou. He has lost aunties and cousins and is flying back home .

"I don't know how long he will be away. When can I tell him to come back? However long it takes to get over something like this."