CELTIC legend Tommy Burns lost his brave battle with cancer early today. (Video: Prime Minister pays his tributes)

CELTIC legend Tommy Burns lost his brave battle with cancer early today.

The former Parkhead player and manager died just after 4am - with his family around him - at their Glasgow home.

News of the death sparked a flood of tributes, with many colleagues - including Celtic manager Gordon Strachan - in tears as they spoke of the loss.

Burns, 51, played for the club for 15 years and went on to manage them.

He had been diagnosed with melanoma two years ago. Surgery appeared to have caught the illness before it spread, and check-ups were encouraging.

However, earlier this year, he began to feel unwell again and further investigations confirmed cancer had returned.

Burns continued to work as a coach for Celtic until a month ago when the illness, and treatment, made this impossible.

He was admitted to hospital in Glasgow two weeks ago for a blood transfusion in an attempt to boost his strength ahead of being flown to France for specialist treatment.

However, last weekend Burns was flown back to the home he shared with his wife Rosemary when it became clear that this was a battle he was going to lose.

The couple had four children - Emma, Jenna, Michael and Jonathan - and had recently become grandparents.

Over the past few days, many of his friends have been invited to visit him.

After seeing Tommy yesterday, a very emotional Gordon Strachan today failed to hold back the tears.

He said: "Tommy was simply one of the best friends anyone could ever hope to have.

"I consider myself fortunate not only to have worked with him on a daily basis for the past three years, but to have been able to count on him as a friend.

"His bravery throughout his illness was an inspiration, and right to the end he was checking everyone else was okay, never giving a thought for himself.

"The fact he has now gone will take a long time to sink in, and my thoughts are with Rosemary and his family."

News of the death was confirmed on the Celtic website.

A statement added: "Tommy, a true Celtic legend and wonderful man, will be sadly missed by us all.

"Clearly, our thoughts are very much with Rosemary and his family at this extremely difficult time."

Tributes poured in from many connected with the club, led by Lisbon Lions.

Former manager Billy McNeill said: "Tommy was a smashing fellow who enjoyed a laugh, but he also worked very hard.

"His real forte was setting up the academy at Celtic, and hopefully the club can reap the benefits of this for years.

"It is terrible news that he has lost this battle."

And Bertie Auld paid a moving tribute to Burns, describing him as "a beautiful, honest and passionate person".

The life and times of Tommy Burns
Tommy and Walter Smith share a joke on Scotland duty	Head-to-head with Derek Ferguson in an Old Firm clash in 1992	Tommy and his wife at their daughter's wedding	The door at Celtic Park was always open to Burns	Tommy with new-born daughter Emma in 1982

He added: "It is news like this that puts football into perspective"

Jim Craig described Burns as "a really nice guy with no airs or graces ... a great family man - and a great credit to Celtic".

Players from more recent times also spoke warmly of Burns.

Neil Lennon said: "The one thing Tommy cared about more than anything else was his family. My thoughts are with each and every one of them at such a difficult time."

Peter Grant was "devastated" by the death of his long-time friend.

He added: "You could have walked to the ends of the earth and you would never find anyone who had a bad word to say about Tommy Burns. He had universal respect."

Andy Walker described Burns as a "great example to so many people".

He added: "Tommy was one guy when I signed for the club who constantly went out and met the supporters, did hospital visits and gave up so much of his time.

"He felt he was in such a privileged position to be playing for Celtic."

Old Firm rival and Rangers legend Derek Johnstone added: "It's devastating news. I've known Tommy for a long number of years.

"Not only was he an outstanding player, he was an absolute gentleman. I always admired the way he conducted himself.

"It's just not right for a young man to be taken from the world at his age. My thoughts are with Tommy's family."

Off the field, Prime Minister Gordon Brown sent his condolences to Tommy's family and said his belief in good football shone through his time as Celtic boss.

He said: "I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Tommy Burns, and my thoughts are with his family and friends.

"His death robs Scottish football of one of its most inspirational figures of modern times and one of the nicest people in football. He will go down as one of the all-time great players for Glasgow Celtic."

City council leader Steven Purcell said: "Scotland has lost one of its greatest footballing legends and one of its most decent and genuine men.

"Tommy was unusual in that he crossed the footballing divide and was liked and respected by all football fans, not just here in Glasgow - but throughout Scotland and beyond.

"It's true when they say only the good die young."

And from the world of business, Willie Haughey said Burns was a "Celtic legend" and a "great man who will be sadly missed".