Former Celtic player Tommy Burns has died at the age of 51 after losing his battle against cancer.

The ex Scotland international had been receiving treatment both at home in Glasgow and abroad in recent weeks after skin cancer, which he overcame in 2006, returned in March of this year.

Burns played for Celtic for 15 years and also managed the Scottish giants in the mid 90’s.

A statement from Celtic said: “Tommy, a true Celtic legend and wonderful man will be sadly missed by us all. Clearly, our thoughts are very much with Tommy’s wife, Rosemary, and his family at this extremely difficult time.”

And Billy McNeil added “Tommy was a very genuine man and he enjoyed life. If there was a party, Tommy Burns would be out there singing and enjoying himself.

“He had a relationship with the fans.They believed he was one of them and he enjoyed that.

“He was a fantastic football player. He was effective, so effective.