Derry City captain Ryan McBride became ill at half-time of Dundalk match – just six days before his untimely death

IRELAND footballer James McClean has told how tragic Derry City skipper Ryan McBride would “throw his body on the line” when he pulled on a jersey.

The sudden death of 27-year-old Ryan on Sunday has sparked an outpouring of grief across Ireland, with West Brom winger McClean telling him: “Sleep tight big man. May God bless you and your family.”

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It has now emerged that McBride, who will be laid to rest on Thursday in Derry, had become ill during the Candystripes’ League of Ireland clash with Dundalk on March 13.

It is understood that the Brandywell man, who grew up in the shadow of the ground, had been physically sick at half-time yet went on to play his part in a 3-1 victory.

During the day he is said to have suffered chest pains and breathing difficulties but dismissed his ailments as a virus.

McBride played the full 90 minutes against Drogheda United on Saturday, which Derry won 4-0, and went to work at Peadar O’Donnell’s bar in his home city that night.

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He was found dead in his bed on Sunday, with the cause of his passing still officially unknown.

Talented McBride, who is survived by his partner Mairead, dad Lexie, and sisters Colleen, Siunin and ­Caitlain, joined Derry City in 2011 and made more than 100 appearances for his boyhood club, becoming captain in 2015.

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McClean, 27, who also played at the Brandywell from 2008 to 2011, described McBride as “a warrior that literally would throw his body on the line when he pulled on that Derry City jersey, a club that meant so much to him”.

Club manager Kenny Shiels said: “It’s hard for everybody to take. This is going to be a difficult one for everyone in the city.

“The players loved Ryan. He was the perfect example to any young player coming through at 13 or 14.”

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Supporters paid their respects last night in Derry, with mourners applauding as team-mates carried Ryan’s coffin back to his home in Bluebell Hill Gardens.

And as flags at FAI HQ in Dublin flew at half mast, President Michael D Higgins tweeted: “Along with all those who support Irish football, I express my sadness and condolences to the family of @derrycityfc Captain Ryan McBride.”

Celtic issued a statement saying how it was “shocked and saddened” at the death, while Ireland boss Martin O’Neill said it was a “tragic event”.

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FAI chief executive John Delaney added: “Irish football is in mourning with the loss of a true great of the game, with the shocking news about Ryan McBride’s passing.

“I would like to pass on my deepest condolences to Ryan’s family, friends and his club, Derry City FC, for which he was their leader, their captain and their inspiration.”

Derry City chairman Phil O’Doherty also told of a “leader on and off the field”, adding: “This news is so hard to take in.

“He started the season so well and scored a really important goal against Shamrock Rovers recently.”

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DUP leader Arlene Foster tweeted: “My deepest condolences to the family and all Derry City FC as they mourn the loss of the talented Ryan McBride. Such devastating news.”

Tributes will now be paid to Ryan before Ireland’s World Cup qualifier against Wales in Dublin on Friday, while Derry’s league games against Limerick and Galway have been postponed, as have matches in the first round of the League of Ireland Cup.

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Meanwhile, a gofundme page to help the McBride family with funeral costs last night reached its target of £5,000.

Ireland stars Shane Duffy and Daryl Horgan, and Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh have contributed.

The funeral takes place on Thursday at St Columba Church, with the cortege scheduled to leave McBride’s home at 9.20am for Requiem Mass at 10am.