Tributes have been paid to former Scottish footballer Ralph Milne who has died at the age of 54.

The former Dundee United and Manchester United winger had been receiving treatment in hospital for liver problems.

He is remembered by Dundee United fans for scoring the first goal in a 2-1 victory over rivals Dundee that won United their only Premier League title in 1983.

He later signed for Manchester United and also played with Charlton and Bristol City during his career.

Dundee United confirmed his death and paid tribute to him on the club's website.

A statement from the club read: "Ralph can now take his seat in the main stand on high alongside other departed club legends." He was inducted into the club's Hall of Fame in 2009.

Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson said: "This is a very sad day. Ralph's skill and flair epitomised the Dundee United teams he graced and he was undoubtedly one of the finest footballers to hail from the city of Dundee.

"He remains Dundee United's top goalscorer in Europe and I am grateful to have watched him in his prime many times during those fantastic years he starred for United.

"It was a privilege to have known Ralph and he will be remembered fondly and missed sadly by Arabs everywhere."

Football fans united on social media to pay tribute to Milne with many posting a picture of him standing on the pitch with both arms raised aloft after scoring the opening goal when Dundee United won the league.

Milne's career was curtailed by his battle with the booze and has been regularly treated for liver problems.

His condition had deteriorated in recent days and he was admitted to Dundee’s Ninewells Hospital in a serious condition.

Speaking of his battle with alcohol in 2013, Milne said: “When my professional playing career ended it hit me hard. When you are playing, you can improve your skills, get yourself fitter. But as it goes on, you realise that you can’t make yourself faster. When it ended, I started drinking more. There are times I can’t remember.”

Milne netted 21 times during the Arabs’ 1982-83 Scottish championship winning season. He also scored 15 times during Dundee United’s European adventures during the 1980s, which saw them reach the UEFA Cup final in 1987 and the Champions Cup semi-final in 1984.

He went on to play for Charlton Athletic, Bristol City, and Manchester United, where he finished his career in 1991.