Perhaps the gutsiest footballer I’ve ever had the privilege of seeing play celebrates his birthday today.

Brian McBride’s story is legendary, his relationship with the Fulham fans endures and he’s still playing. The former US international, also fondly remembered at Preston North End and Everton on these shores, turns 38 but continues to put in the hard yards on and off the pitch. He’s booked in to visit a children’s hospital next week and admitted that he finds watching the current American national side more difficult than playing for them.Β than when he’s on the pitch.

I hope my hero has a cracking day and here are a few videos to remind you of just what a player this man is:

I’m pretty sure this is the best goal of the lot – at West Ham to turn a crucial FA Cup tie: