AN ASTON Villa legend has died – as tributes pour in for the last surviving member of club’s 1957 FA Cup-winning team.
Peter McParland, who also won 34 caps for his country, had recently celebrated his 91st birthday before his death, according to the club.
He passed away shortly after his 91st birthday, the club has confirmed[/caption]
The Northern Irish footy star scored both goals in the historic 2-1 win against Manchester United at Wembley – the last time the club lifted the trophy.
He is also remembered for a dramatic extra-time winner against Rotherham United in 1961 – securing his team the League Cup title.
This made him the first footballer to score in both major domestic knockout cup finals.
Over a ten-year stint for Aston Villa, McParland scored 121 goals in 341 appearances.
He was equally instrumental to his national side, scoring five goals for Northern Ireland at the 1958 World Cup – in which they reached the quarter finals.
He remains the record-holder for the highest scoring Northern Irishman in World Cup history.
In a statement, the club said it was “profoundly saddened” by the news of his death.
It added: “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Peter’s family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time.”
McParland was born in Newry, Northern Ireland, in April 1934 – and began his career with Dundalk FC.
He was later signed by Villa manager George Martin – making his debut at home to Wolves in September 1952.
The plucky young player was still a teenager when he won the first of his 34 international caps – scoring twice against Wales in 1954.
As well as the League Cup and FA Cup titles, McParland also helped Villa to the Second Division title in 1959-60.
Praising his breadth of talent, the club wrote: “Equally at home at centre-forward as on the left wing, McParland boasted a powerful header of the ball as well as possessing a talented left foot.”
In January 1962, after his career at Villa, McParland joined Wolves for £35,000.
And in the latter years of his career, he also had spells with Plymouth Argyle and Worcester City – as well as Toronto Inter-Roma in Canada and Atalanta Chiefs in the US.
In 2015, Aston Villa hosted McParland as a guest at the 2015 cup final against Arsenal.
And in January this year, he attended a special exhibition at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery to mark the club’s 150th anniversary.
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
The Aston Villa team following the win against Manchester United[/caption]