A former Manchester United footballer from west Belfast has been ordained as a deacon in the Catholic Church, reports BBC News.

Philip Mulryne won 27 caps for Northern Ireland in a career that included spells with Norwich City and Leyton Orient.

The former midfielder was ordained by the Archbishop of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin, on Saturday.

The 38-year-old is a member of the Dominican Order and is expected to be ordained as a priest next year.

Mulryne made his debut for Manchester United in 1997 after progressing through the youth team.