Former NI and Aston Villa forward McParland dies aged 91

Former Northern Ireland and Aston Villa forward Peter McParland has died at the age of 91.

McParland, who won 34 caps for his country, scored five goals for NI at the 1958 World Cup as they reached the quarter-finals of the tournament.

He holds the record for the highest scoring Northern Irishman in World Cup history.

The Newry native was also an Aston Villa hero after scoring both goals in the 2-1 victory against Manchester United in the 1957 FA Cup final, the last time the club lifted the trophy.

McParland began his career with Dundalk before he was signed by Villa in 1952, spending close to 10 years with the club where he scored 121 goals in 341 appearances.

As well as the FA Cup win, McParland helped Villa to the Second Division title in 1959-60.

The following year, he scored the extra-time winner which secured a 3-2 aggregate victory over Rotherham United in the inaugural League Cup final.

"Aston Villa Football Club is profoundly saddened to learn that Peter McParland, the last surviving member of the club's 1957 FA Cup-winning team, has passed away.

"The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Peter's family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time," said a club statement.

After his time at Villa, McParland also had spells with Wolves, Plymouth Argyle, Worcester City in England as well as Toronto Inter-Roma in Canada and Atalanta Chiefs in the US.

He finished his career with Northern Irish side Glentoran, spending three years as the Glens' player-manager.

McParland netted twice on his Northern Ireland debut against Wales and went on to score eight more goals for his country.