24.04.2014 23:38 h

Football: Former Rangers star Jardine dies, aged 65

Former Rangers and Scotland defender Sandy Jardine has died at the age of 65 after losing his battle with cancer.

Jardine, one of Rangers' most decorated players, was diagnosed with liver cancer 18 months ago and the Glasgow club announced his death on Thursday.

Jardine, who also played for Hearts and served as joint manager of the Edinburgh outfit from 1986 to 1988, established himself as an Ibrox legend in more than 400 appearances for Rangers.

He won the European Cup Winners Cup with Rangers in 1972 and also helped the team win the Scottish title three times, the Scottish Cup on five occasions and the Scottish League Cup five times.

Capped 38 times by Scotland, Jardine played at the 1974 and 1978 World Cups and captained his country nine times.

"It is with deep regret that Rangers Football Club has confirmed the death of Light Blues legend Sandy Jardine," a Rangers statement read.

"Sandy had been battling bravely against cancer for the past 18 months and was a regular visitor to Ibrox until a short time ago but he sadly passed away peacefully tonight surrounded by his family.

"Rangers has lost a man of dignity, class and honour tonight and the thoughts of everyone at the club are with his wife Shona, children Steven and Nicola, his grandchildren and friends."

Rangers manager Ally McCoist led tributes to Jardine, whom he called a "truly remarkable human being.

"He was respected not only by Rangers fans but also the wider football community and he is a huge loss to the game. We will never see his like again in the modern era."