Ryan McBride: Republic boss Martin O'Neill pays tribute

The defender died at home on Sunday.

Speaking after putting the Republic squad through their paces at Abbotstown on Monday, O'Neill said: "It is tragic.

"I didn't know the young lad personally myself, but James McClean is a very good friend of his. James is devastated by the news, obviously his family is as well. It's a really tragic event.

"You get things like this almost on a daily basis and it's puts football and sport in some sort of perspective.

"James, who is probably the closest to him and his family, if there's anything that he feels he wants to do, then I would certainly give him the time to do so."

O'Neill's comments were echoed by Ireland striker Jonathan Walters and defender John Egan.

Walters said: "It really puts things into perspective. We send our deepest condolences from the squad here and everyone involved."

Egan added: "It's very sad news. To hear that a young man in his prime has passed away is very sad. Especially the Derry lads who know him, it will hit them hard.

"The lads have kind of mentioned it in the squad, but it's very sad news and obviously we're all thinking of his family and friends at this time and hoping that they're okay."