In his playing days he flew the flag for Carlisle on some of football's biggest stages.

And Steve McCall checked up on his home-city club on Good Friday.

The Cumbrian football legend was in the crowd to watch the Blues win 3-1 against Peterborough United.

McCall, 63, watched from the stand as Paul Simpson's side prevailed at the Weston Homes Stadium.

Before the game McCall also caught up with some familiar faces, including the Blues' rehab coach Geoff Haugh.

The Carlisle-born favourite also has connections with Simpson having previously helped the United boss in a scouting capacity soon after the manager returned to Brunton Park in 2022.

As a young player McCall, who attended Morton School, was snapped up by Ipswich Town after being recommended by the legendary Carlisle-based scout John Carruthers.

News and Star: McCall starred for Ipswich Town in the 1980sMcCall starred for Ipswich Town in the 1980s (Image: PA)

He was one of a number of Carlisle boys who went on to star for the Suffolk club, others including Kevin Beattie, Robin Turner and David Geddis.

McCall, a classy midfielder, shone under Bobby Robson's management at Ipswich and in 1981 helped the Tractor Boys win the UEFA Cup, the Carlisle star playing in both legs of the final against AZ Alkmaar.

He also became an England Under-21 and B international during his time with Ipswich.

After six years he moved on to Sheffield Wednesday, a period which included a loan spell at Carlisle in the 1989/90 campaign.

In 1992 he joined Plymouth Argyle and then, after a stint at Torquay United, returned to the Pilgrims and, in 1999, played for the Devon club on May 8, 1999 in the game when Jimmy Glass's goal saved the Blues.

After retiring McCall became a respected coach and scout at a number of clubs, including back at Ipswich and also at Colchester United.

In March 2022 Simpson revealed he had called upon south east-based McCall's expertise to scout some of United's opponents.