Legendary goalkeeper 'humbled' at influence on writer

Legendary English goalkeeper Gordon Banks said today he was humbled to have influenced a dyslexic child to overcome his problems to become a leading journalist and writer.

Gordon Banks has launched a new book by journalist Don Mullan in which he recalls how he was motivated to learn to read, despite being affected by dyslexia, as he wanted to find out more about his hero footballer.

"I am proud to be the hero of an amazing person and writer, who indeed has made his own significant contribution to society," said Banks.

Mr Mullan, who was born in Derry in 1956, only discovered he was dyslexic at the age of 38 and pursued a career as a writer and investigative journalist.

His book, Eyewitness Bloody Sunday, led to the re-opening in 1998 of a public inquiry into the fatal shootings following a civil rights march in Derry in January 1972.