THE family of former Celtic captain and manager Billy McNeill encouraged fans to “sing his songs and help us celebrate his life” after the death aged 79 of the first British footballer to lift the European Cup.

Bertie Auld led the way by singing the Celtic Song after laying flowers beside the statue of his former team-mate and close friend as supporters gathered outside Celtic Park to pay their respects. Tributes poured in from colleagues and opponents alike for a man who won 31 trophies as a player and manager with the club, which he first joined in 1957.

READ MORE: Former Celtic captain Billy McNeill dies aged 79

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “Very sorry to hear of the passing of Billy McNeill, a giant of Scottish football. The tributes from across the game today speak volumes about the affection in which he was held.”

McNeill, who also managed Clyde, Aberdeen, Manchester City and Aston Villa, was captain throughout the most glorious years in Celtic’s history, which peaked with victory over Inter Milan in the 1967 European Cup final in Lisbon.

He joined Celtic from junior side Blantyre Victoria and holds the club record for most appearances with 822 over 18 seasons. The defender also won 29 caps for Scotland.

He had two spells as Celtic manager spanning nearly 10 years in total.

The National: Billy McNeilll with the 1965 Scottish CupBilly McNeilll with the 1965 Scottish Cup

The Bellshill-born defender’s death on Monday was announced in a statement by his five children, Susan, Libby, Carol, Paula and Martyn. It said: “He passed away late last night surrounded by his family and loved ones. He suffered from dementia for a number of years and fought bravely to the end, showing the strength and fortitude he always has done throughout his life.

“We would also like to note our love and appreciation to our mother, Liz, for the care, devotion and love she gave to our father throughout his illness. No-one could have done any more. While this is a very sad time for all the family and we know our privacy will be respected, our father always made time for the supporters so please tell his stories, sing his songs and help us celebrate his life.”

Fellow Lisbon Lion Auld said: “Today’s news is a tragedy. I was there when the boss signed Billy at 17 years of age and even then he had tremendous presence about him. He was a big thin boy with spindly legs but he was majestic in the air, even at that age. He had a tremendous temperament for a centre-back.

“As the months went on, you could see he had this ability to be a leader. Despite being so young, he would give everybody his opinion and everyone respected him.

“I remember in Lisbon, him carrying the ball out on to the park in Portugal. His chest was out and his head was back. He knew we would win and that filtered through the rest of us. He was never arrogant or egotistical. He just believed in himself and the rest of us.”

Current manager Neil Lennon told the Celtic website: “When you think of Celtic and our incredible history, Billy is always one of the first names that comes to mind. I love Billy’s statue, which is the first thing you see whenever you walk up The Celtic Way. It’s the perfect image of him, holding aloft the European Cup, and it will remind future generations of supporters of what a great Celtic man he was.”

Former Rangers captain John Greig, who was McNeill’s rival during their playing days, said: “I’ve lost a very good friend. We have been close for many, many years. He was also a great guy, a real gentleman and I’ll miss him.”