Cheers Bud! South Shields striker Warren Byrne collects £50k cheque for club after his wonder goal

The striker's incredible goal against Tow Law Town in April led to worldwide attention, and more than 3.5million views online.

It also earned the 33-year-old the title of Budweiser's Dream Goal winner for 2016, beating thousands of entries from other non-league footballers in the country to win the prize.

Part of the reward was a £50,000 grant for the non-league club of Byrne's choice, and on Sunday, former England and Manchester United defender Gary Pallister was on hand to present the money to the Mariners.

It is now expected to be spent on ground improvements this summer, with the club having already invested in a new drainage system for its pitch at Mariners Park, and also planning to erect a new stand and make other improvements.

Byrne, a factory worker from Shildon, scored 31 times for Shields last season - including several memorable ones - as he helped the club win the Northern League Division Two title.

However, it is one strike in particular that he will always be remembered for.

Byrne said: "There has been a lot of attention, and I think my wife is sick of hearing about it now!

"The publicity has been good for myself and brilliant for the club as well.

"It was great to meet Gary, who played for the club I support, Middlesbrough.

"He seems like a very nice bloke and it was fantastic that he was able to come down, visit the club and hand over the cheque.

"I'm sure the money will help the club a lot with ground improvements this summer, so it's great all-round."

Byrne's goal was analysed on TV by former England internationals Jamie Carragher and Jamie Redknapp, while the striker also appeared on Sky Sports show Soccer AM, as well as regional news shows.

On Sunday, he met Pallister and showed him round Mariners Park before the cheque was handed over.

Pallister - who won four Premier League titles and three FA Cups in his playing days - was at the South Tyneside ground to present the cheque as Budweiser's designated 'FA Cup legend'.

He was hugely impressed with Byrne's strike against Tow Law, which saw him flick the ball up with his right foot, hook it over his head and then volley into the opposite corner with his left foot.

The former defender said: "It was a stunning goal.

"To win a competition like this, you have to do something a bit special, and Warren certainly did that.

"He's a thoroughly deserved winner, and a great guy to boot.

"I've seen some of his other goals as well and he certainly seems to have an eye for the spectacular.

"I'm sure the money will help the club a great deal, and it's great to see the improvements which are being made.

"I played in the Northern League at the start of my career with Billingham Town, and I know how difficult it can be to keep clubs at this level going.

"I'm very impressed with the facilities at Mariners Park, and hopefully after the promotion last season, the club can go on to bigger and better things."