Former Republic of Ireland international Alan McLoughlin has died aged 54.
The former midfielder revealed he was battling cancer for a second time after previously being diagnosed with a kidney tumour in 2012. This time the cancer had spread to the kidney, chest wall and lung.
The Manchester-born McLoughlin will forever be remembered for his famous equaliser for Jack Charlton's side against Northern Ireland at Windsor Park in November 1993 which secured the Republic of Ireland's place at the World Cup in the United States.
He began his club career at Manchester United before going on to play for Swindon Town, Southampton and Portsmouth among others.
Under the stewardship of Ossie Ardiles, McLoughlin was an ever-present performer at Swindon, scoring 16 goals in the Argentine manager's first season at the County Ground including the winning goal at Wembley in the play-off final against Sunderland.
He signed for Southampton in December 1990 for a club-record £1 million but he failed to hit the heights of his time at Swindon and was transferred to south coast rivals Portsmouth in 1992. He enjoyed some success at Fratton Park as he helped Pompey reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
He won 42 international caps for the Republic of Ireland including two at the World Cup in Italy in 1990 when he made substitute appearances against England and Egypt. His final cap came in a 1-1 draw with Macedonia in 1999.
After hanging up his boots he was a regular co-commentator on BBC Radio Solent covering Portsmouth matches.
