Celtic ace Scott Sinclair has paid a touching tribute to “mentor and true friend” Cyrille Regis.

The former West Brom and Coventry forward died on Monday at the age of 59.

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Taking to his Instagram, Sinclair posted a throwback image of the pair.

He wrote: “From signing my first pro contract you have been there every step of the way not only as a mentor but a true friend! #RIP BIG C.”

Hoops fans were quick to loan their support to the 28-year-old winger. “True friends never leave you Scotty,” wrote one.

“Sorry for your loss Scott,” said another and one fan added, “It’s very hard when they mean so much to you.”

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Regis won five caps for England between 1982 and 1987, having been one of the stars of the Baggies team between 1977 and 1984.

He scored 112 goals in 297 appearances for Albion before moving on to Coventry, winning the FA Cup with the Sky Blues in 1987.

The Professional Footballers’ Association announced the news of his death and wrote in a tweet from its official account: “A true gentleman and legend, he will be deeply missed. Our sympathies to his family and friends.”