Jennings will attend statue unveiling in Newry

Pat Jennings won 119 Northern Ireland caps and played in two World Cups

Pat Jennings will attend the unveiling of a statue in his honour in Newry on Wednesday despite feeling unwell on Monday.

Jennings was taken to hospital for tests, which came back clear, and was later discharged just after 00:00 GMT.

Organisers of Wednesday's event said on Tuesday that it would go ahead and with Jennings in attendance.

"Yesterday evening Pat was feeling unwell but would like to assure his many well wishers and fans that he is OK to continue," said a statement from the Big Pat Committee.

"After some further rest today, he's looking forward to unveiling his statue in his home city of Newry in Northern Ireland."

Jennings last month spoke of his pride at the honour.

"I'm very proud to say I'm a Newry man," said the 119-times capped Northern Ireland goalkeeper, 78.

His club career included winning five trophies with Tottenham and Arsenal in addition to being named the Players' Player of the Year [1976] and Football Writers' Player of the Year [1973].

Jennings' total of 119 caps was a record for the Northern Ireland men's team until he was surpassed by current captain Steven Davis in October 2020.

He won his first cap in 1964 at the age of 18 in a match against Wales alongside fellow debutant George Best.

Jennings played for Northern Ireland at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups, making the final appearance of his 22-year international career in a 3-0 defeat by Brazil at the latter tournament in Mexico.

He became a CBE in the New Year Honours in 2022 for his contribution to football and charity having become an MBE in 1976.