Alan McLoughlin, the man whose goal took the Republic of Ireland to the 1994 World Cup finals in the United States, has died at the age of 54 following a long battle with cancer. The former Portsmouth midfielder revealed in March he was preparing to undergo a course of radiotherapy following surgery to remove a tumour from his vertebrae, nine years after being diagnosed with a kidney tumour. His death was confirmed in a statement issued by the Football Association of Ireland, which offered its condolences to his wife Debbie and their daughters Abby and Megan. It said: “The Football Association of Ireland extends our deepest sympathies to Debbie, Abby and Megan McLoughlin following the death today of our former international midfielder Alan McLoughlin at the age of 54. “He was a great player for Ireland, a fantastic footballing man who coached so many young players and a very proud family man.

Source: Express May 04, 2021 16:18 UTC