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Former Arsenal and NI defender McCullough dies aged 90

Northern Irish footballer Billy McCullough pictured in August 1960Getty Images

FormerArsenal defender Billy McCullough, who played 268 games for the club over eight seasons between 1958 and 1966, has died aged 90.

The left-back was also capped 10 times by Northern Ireland.

"All of us are thinking of his loved ones at this time," an Arsenal statement said.

He joined Arsenal from Portadown for £5,000 in September 1958 - the first signing for new Gunners boss George Swindin.

He made his debut in December but established himself as first-choice left-back the following season.

During his Arsenal career the Carrickfergus-born man played in the first Arsenal team to play in European competition – a Fairs Cup campaign in 1963 - and became the first defender to score for the club in Europe.

After losing his place in the side to Peter Storey, he joined MIllwall in 1966 and went on to feature for Bedford Town, Cork Celtic and Derry City.

After hanging up his boots, McCullough worked as an electrical engineer.