FORMER Newcastle United coach Tommy Burns has sadly passed away at the age of 51.

Burns played for Celtic from 1974 to 1989, was manager in the mid-1990s and was the club's first-team coach before being granted leave.

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."

Burns worked under Kenny Dalglish at St.James' Park and was part of the Magpies set-up which reached the FA Cup Final in 1998.

Everyone at Newcastle United Football Club would like to pass on their sincere condolences to Tommy's family and friends.