A FORMER professional footballer from Glasgow has died at the age of 59.

Gordon Melville Smith, who was born in Partick in 1954, played for St Johnstone before moving to England where he starred for Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Mr Smith, who played four times for the Scotland under-23 side, came from a footballing family. His grandfather, Willie Salisbury, lifted the Scottish Cup with Partick Thistle in 1921.

Mr Smith's greatest moment as a player came in the 1977 League Cup final where he helped Aston Villa defeat Everton.

Tributes were paid to Mr Smith by his former clubs after his death in Glasgow on Saturday.

Aston Villa FC's website said the club was "saddened" to hear of Mr Smith's passing.

Tottenham Hotspur's website read: "Our thoughts are with his former wife Elaine, daughter Sadie and son Cameron and all of his family and friends at this sad time."