KIERAN Trippier is to be awarded the freedom of Bury for his World Cup heroics with England.

Council leader Rishi Shori and his opposition counterparts have agreed the Summerseat star is deserving of the top civic honour for his sensational performances in Russia.

His outstanding displays for his country have earned him the rare accolade, which has also been bestowed upon film director Danny Boyle, rock band Elbow and gold medal-winning Olympian Zoe Robinson.

Addressing last night’s full meeting of Bury Council, Cllr Shori said the full-back was the only Bury-born footballer to score in a World Cup semi-final – making him one of an elite trio completed by legends Bobby Charlton and Gary Lineker.

Speaking after the meeting Councillor Shori said "Kieran and his England team mates have given a huge amount of joy for local people with their incredible performances during the World Cup.

“To reach the semi-final for only the third time in England's history is an amazing achievement. I was nine years the old the last time it happened - I am a lot older now!

“Kieran himself was outstanding, scoring a penalty in the shoot out with Colombia and of course that unforgettable free kick again Croatia. He is now only the third Englishman to have scored in a World Cup semi and certainly the first from Bury!"

Cllr Shori added: "He deserves to be acknowledged. He is a huge role model to younger people and hopefully can inspire the next generation of footballers in Bury."

There is also a possibility that Bury-born goalkeeper Colin McDonald, now aged 87 could also be involved in the ceremony.

The former England number one– who still lives in Bury – was voted the best goalkeeper at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.

Cllr Shori also told fellow councillors that he wanted to see Bury produce more Kieran Trippiers and more top athletes across a range of sports.

And he said that, to that end, the Council was working with Lancashire County FA and the Football Foundation to bring five new 3G pitches into the borough.

He added: “Council officers have been working with the Lancashire County FA and the Football Foundation who have identified sites with potential partners. Feasibility studies are due to be undertaken and hopefully building work will take place next summer. Let’s build a positive legacy from this world cup."

Conservative group leader James Daly also paid tribute to the Spurs defender. He said: “What he has done is set an example to the young people of this borough and the impact he can have on young lives shouldn’t be underestimated.”

And he called for the ceremony to be held “sooner rather than later” after the World Cup and “in a place where our young people can be there to watch their hero and see that the council has its finger on the pulse and celebrate the achievements of Kieran Trippier.”