Former Ireland international and Sunderland legend nicknamed 'The King' passes away

Charlie Hurley, 'The King' of Sunderland, has died aged 87.

Born in Cork in 1936, Hurley made his Republic of Ireland debut in 1957 - in a draw with England at Dalymount Park - and played 40 times for his country up to 1969.

The legendary centre-half started his cross-channel career with Millwall, where he made 105 appearances.

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But he became a folk hero at Roker Park where he earned the nickname ''The King' from Sunderland fans, who voted him as the club's Player of the Century in 1987, the club's centenary year.

Hurley made over 400 appearances for the club. He helped Sunderland to win promotion to Division 1 in 1964 and came second in the voting for FWA Footballer of the year behind Bobby Moore.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Charlie Hurley's family and friends at this difficult time," FAI president Paul Cooke said.

"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."

Ex Sunderland player Charlie Hurley takes the crowds applause during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Hull City at Stadium of Light on November 19, 2016
(Image: Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)

Sunderland paid tribute to Hurley in a statement. "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.

Millwall also paid tribute. "To a generation of Millwall supporters, Charlie was the greatest player to don a Millwall shirt."

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