Former Albion forward Gerry Armstrong says the World Cup finals of 1982 changed his life.

History suggests Italian marksman Paolo Rossi was the star of the Spanish tournament, but Northern Ireland and British football fans might beg to differ.

Rossi cleared his name from a bribery scandal to score six goals, including a hat-trick in the semi-final against Brazil, as the Azzurri won the trophy.

Armstrong scored half as many goals for Northern Ireland but that was enough to endear him to a nation.

The burly centre forward is still remembered as the man who scored the winner to defeat the host nation and send Northern Ireland through to the second stage of the competition in their first World Cup since 1958.

Needing a win to progress, Billy Bingham's side played Spain in Valencia's Luis Casanova Stadium and Armstrong scored the only goal in the 47th minute when he pounced on a goalkeeping error to convert Billy Hamilton's cross from the right.

Mal Donaghy was sent off in the second half but the Irish survived a late onslaught for a win that brought a temporary halt to the country's sectarian violence.

Armstrong, 48 last week said,: "It changes your life. My career really took off from then and I earned a move to Spain on the back of the World Cup.

"We had a civic reception and toured Belfast on an open top bus, it was unbelievable.

"It also changed other people's lives. The troubles in Ireland were bad at the time and the team's performances brought the community together.

"We were in our hotel getting letters from bishops, David Trimble and the Reverend Ian Paisley. The country was brought together and everybody partied."

Armstrong's goal-scoring exploits and strong running won him the British Player of the Tournament from journalists. He beat off competition from Bryan Robson and Gordon Strachan to be presented with a golden boot.

Indeed, Armstrong's strike against the Spanish came 83rd in a recent Channel Four programme, The 100 Greatest World Cup Moments.

However, Armstrong admits it is frustrating people remember him just for that goal.

The player, who was a 28-year-old Watford striker then, also scored against Honduras in the first round as Ireland emerged unbeaten, and then in Ireland's 4-1 reverse to France that confirmed the team's exit from the tournament.

He said: "The rest of my career is completely forgotten about. The Spanish match was a game everyone remembers as we had to win to qualify and no one gave us a chance."

Most supporters forget Armstrong played in the World Cup in Mexico four years later where he announced his international retirement following Ireland's last game of an unsuccessful campaign against Brazil.

In his distinguished career, Armstrong scored a then record tally of 12 goals in 63 internationals before Colin West eclipsed him.

Armstrong said: "The World Cup is the highlight of my career and would be for any player. I was fortunate to play in two but the team peaked in 82. After Mexico, myself, Pat Jennings and about four others all retired. My final match was against Brazil, which wasn't a bad way to go."

Armstrong, who was born in Belfast, says he did not appreciate his team's achievements in Spain at the time.

He said: "I spoke to my family on the phone from the World Cup but it didn't really sink in. It was only about two months later that I was watching some videos and listening to the pundits on TV.

"We were caught in a time warp. Terry Venables and Jimmy Hill made me think how well we had actually done."

Armstrong's success in Spain surprised many observers because he had missed much of Watford's promotion season in 1981/82 with a series of injuries, including a broken leg.

However, he believes that helped him in the World Cup and offered some hope for David Beckham and Kieron Dyer, both battling to be fit for England's opening game on Sunday against Sweden.

"I was fresh," said the affable Irishman, who has worked as co-commentator for Sky Sports over the last six years providing analysis from Spain's Primera Liga.

"People like Beckham and Dyer could be sensational. They have had rest and providing their injuries are not too bad they could do well."

The Ulsterman's impact on Spain 82, especially against the hosts, catapulted him to the attention of Real Mallorca, whom he signed for in 1983.

Armstrong enjoyed his two years on the holiday island where he learnt the language and culture before returning to the UK.

In June, 1986, Alan Mullery brought the much-travelled striker to the Goldstone as a foil for Dean Saunders and Terry Connor, but Armstrong failed to re-capture his form from Spain 82 in 55 appearances for the Seagulls.

He subsequently coached the Albion youth side before drifting out of football, but he still lives in Brighton.