Merrick played for Birmingham between 1939 and 1960

Former England and Birmingham City goalkeeper Gil Merrick has died at the age of 88.

Merrick, who made more than 700 appearances for the Blues between 1939 and 1960, won 23 caps for England and played in the 1954 World Cup.

The Sparkhill-born goalkeeper went on to manage Birmingham, leading his home town club to League Cup glory in 1963.

Last year, Birmingham renamed their Railway Stand at St Andrew's the Gil Merrick Stand.

And in August, he became a recipient of a Broad Street Star on the Birmingham Walk of Fame.

Merrick joined Birmingham in 1939 and remained with the club until his retirement in 1960 to become manager of the team.

He played 126 consecutive league games for Birmingham between 1949 and 1952 and kept goal in the 1956 FA Cup final, which Birmingham lost against Manchester City.

It was a match made famous by his opposite number Bert Trautmann, who continued to play despite breaking a bone in his neck during the game.

Merrick made his international debut against Ireland on 14 November, 1951, and is probably best known for playing against Ferenc Puskas's Hungry when England lost 6-3 at Wembley and 7-1 at the Nepstadio in 1953 and 1954 respectively.

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