Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has said the "really tragic" death of Derry City skipper Ryan McBride "puts football and sport in some sort of perspective".

The 27-year-old is understood to have died at home on Sunday a day after he captained his side to a 4-0 win over Drogheda United.

"I didn't know the young lad personally myself, but James McClean is a very good friend of his," O'Neill said.

"James is devastated by the news, obviously his family is as well. It's a really tragic event.

"You get things like this almost on a daily basis and it's puts football and sport in some sort of perspective."

Ireland defender John Egan said McBride's passing had hit the players hard.

"The lads have kind of mentioned it in the squad, but it's very sad news and obviously we're all thinking of his family and friends at this time and hoping that they're okay," he said.

"It's very sad news," he added. "To hear that a young man in his prime has passed away is very sad. Especially the Derry lads who know him, it will hit them hard."

Striker Jonathan Walters added: "We send our deepest condolences from the squad here and everyone involved."

The Football Association of Ireland will pay tribute to McBride at Friday night's World Cup qualifier against Wales at the Aviva Stadium.

Derry's Airtricity League fixtures against and Limerick and Galway and all Tuesday night's scheduled EA Sports Cup first round fixtures have also been postponed as a mark of respect.