Former Ireland defender Charlie Hurley dies aged 87

Former Republic of Ireland centre-half Charlie Hurley has died at the age of 87.

Hurley won 40 caps for Ireland between 1957 and 1969 and was considered one of the best defenders in England throughout his career, renowned for his aerial ability

Born in Cork in 1936, Hurley moved to Essex with his family as a youngster and began his football career with Millwall.

He would later become synonymous with Sunderland, playing over 400 times for the Black Cats, and was named the club's Player of the Century on the occasion of their centenary in 1979.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Charlie Hurley's family and friends at this difficult time," said FAI president Paul Cooke. "It is over 50 years since Charlie won the last of his 40 caps but it is a measure of the esteem in which he was held in football that every Irish fan knows of the legend that was Charlie Hurley."

Hurley finished his career at Bolton but it is at Sunderland where he is truly revered, earning the nickname 'The King' from their supporters.

At the end their promotion campaign of 1963/64, Hurley finished second to legendary England captain Bobby Moore in the vote for the Football Writers' Footballer of the Year award.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Charlie Hurley, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of Sunderland AFC," said the club in a statement.

Millwall, for whom Hurley played over 100 times, said that they are "saddened to hear of the passing of former player Charlie Hurley. To a generation of Millwall supporters, Charlie was the greatest player to don a Millwall shirt."