RANGERS legend Sandy Jardine is to have Ibrox's Govan stand renamed in his honour.

Club bosses made the announcement after the Evening Times revealed they were "looking into creating lasting memorial" to Jardine.

Former Rangers and Scotland player Jardine lost his battle with cancer in April. He was 65.

Jardine, who was twice named Player of the Year in Scotland and played a key role in the club's treble-winning teams of 1976 and 1978, was based in offices in the Govan stand when he returned to the club.

On Rangers' website, the club confirmed that the dedication would be in place for the team's opening league match against Jardine's former side Hearts at Ibrox on Sunday, August 10. His family will attend.

Jardine's wife, Shona, said: "My husband considered it a great honour and privilege to represent Rangers Football Club and I know he was extremely proud to receive this lasting tribute from the Club he loved.”

Rangers Chief Executive Graham Wallace said: "Sandy Jardine epitomised everything that is good about Rangers Football Club. He was a man of principle and class and his contribution throughout his career both on and off the pitch was truly incredible.

"His achievements are unlikely to be seen again in the modern game and this is a truly fitting way to honour Sandy's memory. The re-naming of the Govan Stand will be a permanent tribute to a man who gave everything for Rangers.

"He was a credit to Rangers for decades and his dignity, class and love for the Club shone through. We have lost a true gentleman but he will never be forgotten and everyone at the Club is immensely proud to re-name the stand in his honour.”

Rangers manager Ally McCoist added: "There have been many great names associated with Rangers Football Club but I can think of no-one more deserving of this tribute than Sandy Jardine.

"A Rangers legend in every sense of the word, he will always be in our hearts and I am delighted he will be remembered forever with this permanent tribute at Ibrox Stadium. 

“Sandy's achievements both on and off the pitch were second to none. He gave everything for this great club and we are all looking forward to paying tribute to him at the Hearts game next month."