Gordon Strachan has paid tribute to Celtic legend Tommy Burns, who sadly passed away. Strachan held back the tears as he spoke glowingly of his relationship with the 51 year old who lost his battle with cancer early this morning.

Strachan said: "No disrespect to football, but being Tommy's mate is the best part of coming to Celtic. People will be judged, not as a footballer - and there weren't many better than him - but as a person. He's top of the league when it comes to being a man.

"Even yesterday when I was with him, his faith is incredible. All he was interested in was making sure Rosemary and the kids and I were all right. He wasn't thinking about himself.

"The most important thing I did when I came here was make Tommy assistant manager. Through his intelligence, common sense and humour, he made me understand what Glasgow was all about. If I didn't have him I would have gone off my head. He kept me sane at times.

"He has been part of my life every day for three years. That's why I am taking it rather hard at the moment. He radiated - every time he walked into a room, no matter how you were feeling, you felt better when Tommy was about. We've missed him about the place because it's not the same when he's not there."