Former Albion defender Paul McCarthy has died at the age of 45.

The Irish centre-back made 217 appearances and scored six goals for the Seagulls between 1988 and 1996.

He later went on to play for Wycombe, helping them to their famous FA Cup win over Leicester City at Filbert Street in 2001.

McCarthy was born in Cork and won ten caps with his nation’s under-21 side.

He was seen as a reliable and consistent performer at the Goldstone while, around him, the club suffered a decline in fortunes.

McCarthy is understood to have suffered a heart attack.