CELTIC manager Neil Lennon is "completely devastated" by the death of his "close friend" Paul McBride, QC.

He said the sudden death of the high-profile lawyer in Pakistan had "left a huge void".

Mr McBride, who was discovered in his hotel room in Lahore on Sunday, represented Celtic on disciplinary matters and was said to be a lifelong fan of the club.

In a statement released on Celtic's official website, Mr Lennon said: "On behalf of myself, my backroom staff and my players, I would like to send our sincere condolences to Paul's family and Paul's partner, Gary.

"Personally, I am completely devastated. Paul was a close friend of mine and my family's, as is Gary. Paul's passing has left a huge void in our lives. He was a magnificent man with a brilliant mind, and when he walked into a room he was a force of nature. I will miss him terribly."

His tribute came as it emerged that the Scottish Government has intervened in attempts to repatriate the body of Mr McBride, who is believed to have died of natural causes.

Solicitor Aamer Anwar said he was at "the end of his tether, emotionally and physically" after finding Mr McBride, 48, dead in a hotel room and his subsequent wrangling with UK and Pakistani authorities.

Mr Anwar, who remains in Pakistan, contacted the First Minister's private office for assistance yesterday, with Government officials now applying pressure to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to unblock any delays to Mr McBride's repatriation.

The Lord Advocate's office and Strathclyde Police are also believed to have made contact with the FCO.

Meanwhile, the trial of two men charged with plotting to kill Mr McBride in an alleged bomb plot was adjourned as a mark of respect to the QC and his family. Lord Turnbull told the jury at the High Court in Glasgow: "Mr McBride was due to give evidence in this case. He was also, of course, a friend and colleague to us all in this court."

Mr Anwar, who attended a family wedding with the QC on Saturday night, has promised Mr McBride's parents and his partner that he will bring him home to Glasgow.

He is pressing for the post-mortem examination to be carried out as soon as possible but said he was in a "nightmarish" situation given that police will not authorise the examination – or release the death certificate – until the flight schedule for the repatriation is made available. However, Mr Anwar has been told by the British consulate that he cannot arrange the flights until the death certificate has been issued.

Speaking from Lahore last night, Mr Anwar said: "I was advised half an hour ago that the High Commission have refused to send anyone to Lahore as they do not have the capacity. That is an insult and unacceptable and simply prolongs the agony of those who want Paul to be home as soon as possible."

Mr Anwar has had direct access to the Pakistani Prime Minister's office over the repatriation because his brother-in-law and uncle are high-ranking figures in the military.

He said: "I cannot imagine what it must be like for a British citizen who has no contacts or influence to deal with the High Commission. It doesn't matter if you are Joe Bloggs or the country's top lawyer, the commission has failed abysmally."

A spokesman for the FCO said consular assistance was only available to relatives of those who had died abroad, unless a representative is formally appointed – Mr Anwar said he received a document from the consulate on Sunday which confirmed he was representing Mr McBride while in Pakistan.

Superintendent Faisal Gulzar, of Lahore Police, said there was no delay in Mr McBride's case and confirmed he was waiting for flight details in order to arrange the post-mortem.