'He’ll always be known as The King in Sunderland' - tributes paid to Ireland legend Charlie Hurley

Former Republic of Ireland international Charlie Hurley has died aged 87. 

Born in Cork in 1936, Hurley - regarded as one of Ireland's greatest ever footballers - won 40 international caps between 1957 and 1969, captaining his side on over 20 of those occasions.

Hurley - who became known as 'The King' - was not only a legend in green. His move from Millwall to Sunderland in September of '57 signified the start of a 12-year career on Wearside that would eventually see him honoured with the title of the club's player of the 20th century. 

That honour was bestowed upon the Cork-born, London-raised centre-half in 1979.

A spell with Bolton Wanderers concluded his playing career and preceded a five-year tenure as manager of Reading.

Hurley was first capped by Ireland at the age of 20 in a famous 1-1 draw with England at a packed Dalymount Park in a World Cup qualifier in May 1957. 

He was inducted into the FAI’s Hall of Fame in 2007 when the then-Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn led the standing ovation at Dublin’s Jury’s Hotel.

“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. 

"We are proud that he played for Ireland and we extend our deepest sympathies to all who knew 'The King'.”

Former Sunderland player, manager and chairman Niall Quinn described how fondly Hurley is regarded on Wearside.

"In an Irish context he was truly an inspirational footballer," Quinn told RTÉ Sport.

"A rock at the heart of the defence, courageous, brave, tough but fair. I'm told