Quick Facts
Biography
Noel Brotherston (18 November 1956 – 6 May 1995) was an international footballer for Northern Ireland.
Club career
A winger, he played in the Football League for Tottenham, Blackburn Rovers, Bury, and Scarborough.
Noel was well remembered for his characteristic hairstyle that seemed to emphasise his jinking runs down the wing. He was a fans' favourite at Blackburn and became a painter and decorator in the town when he retired as a player.
International career
Brotherston made his debut for Northern Ireland in a May 1980 friendly match against Scotland and has won 27 international caps, scoring 3 goals. He has represented his country in 3 FIFA World Cup qualification matches and played at the 1982 FIFA World Cup.
Noel played in a famous 1-0 win for Northern Ireland over Israel that allowed the team to qualify for the World Cup finals for the first time in 24 years. He also scored the winning goal against Wales in 1980 to give Northern Ireland the British Championship trophy in the Irish Football Association's centenary year.
Death
He died of a heart attack aged just 38.