Irish League legend Gary Hamilton has urged anyone struggling with their mental health to "speak up" and seek help.

The former striker and manager candidly opened up on his own struggles following the sudden death of ex-Cliftonville and Linfield defender Michael Newberry.

Newberry passed away on December 30, on what was his 27th birthday.

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"It is desperate. It is something that is happening more and more," Hamilton told BBC Sportsound.

"I think whether it's footballers or people in general, they need to speak out more and speak to people. Don't be ashamed or embarrassed. There is always help out there.

"I had it myself whenever my Granda passed away. I was in a bad place, too, and I had lost the most important person in my life.

"I had to seek help because I was struggling. I was really struggling, and hiding it in and around the club."

Hamilton admitted he was reluctant to seek help himself as he believed it would be viewed as a "sign of weakness", but says the stigma surrounding mental health has shifted in recent years.

Asked if he felt sportspeople were afraid to speak out, he added: "I think so. I know that went through my head at times.

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"I also think it's a man thing as well. When you're a lad you're embarrassed to speak to people.

"Thankfully I had Dr (Stephen) Best at Glenavon and I was lucky to have that. Dr Best was a huge, huge influence on me and a huge help to me, and somebody who I could lean on and speak to.

"And not be embarrassed or ashamed to admit where I was at."

Newberry's death has sent shockwaves throughout the football community, with both Cliftonville and Linfield paying emotional tributes before their respective Irish Cup matches on Saturday.

Hamilton admits he tried signing the former Newcastle United defender on-loan when he was at Linfield.

He said: "I tried (to sign Michael) a couple of times off David (Healy) on loan from Linfield. But unfortunately I never got the opportunity.

"I always liked Michael as a player and thought he was a good defender. One thing I like in defenders is pace and he had a lot of pace."

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