AN ASTON Villa legend has died – as tributes pour in for the last surviving member of 1957 FA Cup-winning team.
Peter McParland had recently celebrated his 91st birthday, according to the club.
In a statement, a spokesperson wrote: “Peter, who recently celebrated his 91st birthday, will always be remembered as the player who scored both goals when Villa beat Manchester United 2-1 in the 1957 FA Cup final.
“And four years later he hit the winner as Villa lifted the new League Cup, making him the first footballer to score in the finals of both major domestic knockout cup competitions.
“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Peter’s family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time.
“Born in Newry, Northern Ireland in April 1934, McParland was signed by Villa manager George Martin from Dundalk, making his debut at home to Wolves in September 1952.
“He won the first of his 34 international caps while still a teenager, scoring twice on his debut against Wales in 1954, and was the first Villa player to play in the World Cup finals when representing his country in Sweden in 1958.
“By then, he had savoured Wembley glory when Villa, very much the underdogs, overcame the multi-talented United thanks to his two second-half goals.
“But McParland’s contribution to the Villa cause extended far beyond the final.”;
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