FORMER Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to Celtic's Billy McNeill, who died in the late hours of Monday evening.

In a statement posted on Celtic's website, Ferguson expressed his sadness when he heard the news.

Ferguson said: "I, like everyone in Scotland today, is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Billy McNeill.

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"He was a giant in Scottish football, a man with an incredible presence and I'll always cherish the fact that we entered professional football at the same time.

"We played against each other on many occasions and, as anyone who played against him will testify, he was the fairest of players.

"He was also a truly good man and will be a loss to everyone who knew him. Farewell Cesar."