A former Belfast councillor who falsely referred to Republic of Ireland footballer James McClean as a "super Provo" is to pay out £63,000 (€71,000).

The settlement covers damages and legal costs of the Stoke City player's defamation action against Chris McGimpsey.

A judge was told Mr McGimpsey, a former Ulster Unionist Party representative, will make the payment in two installments.

He has already issued an unreserved apology for unfounded comments made "in the heat of the moment" during a radio programme debate.

Mr McClean, 30, sued following the ex-councillor's appearance on BBC Radio Ulster's Nolan Show in November 2018.

The court heard previously that the remarks were then repeated and the focus of commentary on social media.

A statement was read out on Mr McGimpsey's behalf at that stage, setting out how he had referred to the Derry-born winger as being a "super Provo".

It stressed that he did not intend to communicate any affiliation between the footballer and the Provisional IRA, but accepted the remarks were false and completely inaccurate.

The case had been adjourned for discussions on the level of damages.

At the High Court in Belfast today, counsel for Mr McClean announced a final outcome in the case.

Peter Girvan said: "The claim relates to publication by the defendant during the Nolan Show last November, in which he made a statement which defamed the plaintiff by affiliating the plaintiff with the Provisional IRA."

He confirmed his client has accepted Mr McGimpsey's apology, and the terms of an agreement reached on the outstanding issues.

Mr Girvan went on: "The defendant has agreed to pay £63,000, in respect of costs and compensation, in two installments."

Neither Mr McClean nor Mr McGimpsey were in court for the final resolution.

But Mr Justice Maguire acknowledged the efforts made to secure the settlement.