STEVE Clarke has paid a heartfelt tribute to Walter Smith and thanked the former Scotland manager for the expert advice he gave him after moving into the dugout.

The Chelsea great first encountered the legendary Rangers boss, who passed away at the age of 73 last week following a long illness, when he played for his country in the Youth World Cup in Mexico in 1983.

Smith, who was the Dundee United assistant at the time, was a coach under Andy Roxburgh and helped the under-19 side to top their qualifying group and reach the quarter-finals.

Clarke admitted he had enjoyed meeting up with his countryman, who spent three years in charge of Scotland between 2004 and 2007, after that and always appreciated the encouragement and help he received.

“I first came across Walter when I was playing for Scotland Under-19s at the World Cup in Mexico way back in the early 80s,” he said. “He was there as a coach to Andy Roxburgh. I found him to be good fun. A good coach, a good personality and a good man. 

“It was the same all through. Any time you bumped into Walter, he always had time for a good conversation and he’d always leave you with a smile on your face. He was a good man and he’ll be sadly missed.

“I’m sad for Walter’s family first and foremost. He’s not someone I came across very often in the game, but any time I did I found him to be a really good man. He always had a good sense of humour and was also insightful, offering good advice at the right times.”