The Newcastle-born defender, who played youth football for Red House Farm, won the coveted Wor Jackie trophy during his time at St. James' Park.

He joined Icelandic side Víkingur Ólafsvík in 2018 before moving on to Linfield and, earlier this year, Cliftonville.

As a mark of respect, Cliftonville's match against Dungannon Swifts has been postponed, as has Linfield's fixture against Larne.

The thoughts of everybody at Newcastle United are with Michael's family and friends at this difficult time.