Former Ipswich and England player Kevin Beattie dies

Former Ipswich central defender Kevin Beattie has died aged 64, the player's family have said.

Carlisle-born Beattie, who also played for Colchester, Middlesbrough and Barnet as well as in Sweden and Norway, won nine caps for England, scoring one goal.

Beattie's death was announced by BBC Radio Suffolk breakfast show presenter Mark Murphy, who wrote on Twitter: "It is with much sadness that I have to confirm the death in the early hours of this morning of my dear friend and @BBCSuffolk co-host Kevin Beattie. Kevin was undoubtedly the greatest ever @Official_ITFC Town player and his family have asked me to make the announcement."

Ipswich added their condolences, writing: "We are devastated to hear the news of the passing of Town legend Kevin Beattie at the age of 64. The thoughts of everybody at #itfc are with Kevin's family & friends at this very difficult time. The Beat. Thank you."

Beattie won the FA Cup with Bobby Robson's Ipswich in 1978 and after missing the UEFA Cup final in 1981 through injury he was awarded a winner's medal in 2008 following a petition organised by Rob Finch, the ghostwriter of the player's autobiography.

In 1974 Beattie skipped an England Under-23 match against Scotland in Aberdeen to visit his parents in Carlisle, but he went on to receive senior recognition a year later.

Ipswich announced via Twitter that there would be a minute's applause before Tuesday's game with Brentford at Portman Road.

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