Former R's captain collapses and dies

Former Northern Ireland and QPR captain Alan McDonald has died suddenly at the age of 48 while out playing golf this morning.

The QPR stalwart won 52 caps for his country and was a member of Northern Ireland's World Cup side in 1986. McDonald went on to manage Glentoran, winning the Irish League title in 2009, and also coached his country's under-21 side. An Irish Football Association spokesman told Press Association Sport: "We are deeply shocked at the death of Alan, who won over 50 caps for Northern Ireland. To die at such a young age is terrible." Former Northern Ireland manager Sammy McIlroy, a close friend and former team-mate of McDonald's, said: "I'm shell-shocked. Words can't even enter my head at the moment. "Forty-eight is so young. Alan was always larger than life - during his career and after. I've just spoken to Norman Whiteside and he is devastated."