Joe McBride

Scottish football is mourning the loss of former Celtic, Hibernian, Kilmarnock and Motherwell striker Joe McBride, who has died at the age of 74.

McBride, who ended his career with Clyde in the early 1970s, was capped twice for Scotland and also played for Luton, Partick Thistle and Dunfermline.

He was part of the all-conquering Celtic side of 1966/67 and had already scored 35 goals when injury in December ruled him out for the rest of campaign, including the European Cup final.

McBride started out at Kilmarnock and was a prolific marksman at Motherwell before switching to Celtic in 1965 then Hibernian in 1968 and the goals continued to flow.

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell said: "The passing of Joe McBride is tragic news. Joe was a very fine man, an absolute gentleman and someone who gave tremendous service to the club over a number of years.

"It was a privilege to know Joe and it was fantastic that someone who gave so much to Celtic was still involved with the club in a number of ways - he will truly be sadly missed by everyone at Celtic. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Joe's family at this very difficult time."

Motherwell chief executive Leeann Dempster said: "We were saddened to hear of Joe's death early this morning. Although Joe will probably be remembered by most in the football world for his time with Celtic, Motherwell fans who had the pleasure of seeing him blossom will always hold him in high regard."

A Hibernian statement read: "A prolific striker, McBride's association with Hibernian was brief - totalling 91 appearances in just over two years - but he made a huge impact and scored a phenomenal 58 goals.

"Our sincere thoughts are with his family at this difficult time - he left a lasting impression on our club and he will always be remembered with great affection."