FORMER Ballymena United player-manager and Scotland International Alex Parker has died, aged 74.

The accomplished full back was born on 25th August, 1935 and made his name with his native Falkirk winning the Scottish Cup in 1957 and earning a place in the Scotland squad for the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.

He moved down South and joined Everton that same year and wrote his place into Merseyside folklore as he was part of the side which won the First Division title in 1963. After three years at Southport after leaving Goodison Park, he accepted an offer to become player-manager of Ballymena United.

Parker spent just over a year as manager at Warden Street between 1968 and 1969 before moving on and taking a similar role at Republic of Ireland club Drumcondra.