Former Davis Cup finalist John Lloyd led the tributes to Andy Murray, who ended Great Britain's 79-year wait for the famous trophy with victory over David Goffin in Ghent yesterday.

Lloyd was part of the last Great Britain team to reach the final in 1978, when they were beaten 4-1 by the United States in California.

He said: "It is the most amazing achievement when you think about where we were and where we are now - champions of the world.

"Andy's performance was staggering, to go up against this crowd and to win in three straight sets - it's just tremendous.

"Hopefully we will use this now, we're the holders and we've got to inspire more players in Britain. When they see this event, surely people will be inspired by it."

The legacy of the victory was also touched on by fellow commentator and former Davis Cup player Andrew Castle, who played 13 times in the competition between 1986 and 1990.

Castle said: "The responsibility is to take this success and to spread it and share it and learn from it and tell people about it - and broadcast the message that this is great fun and a sport for life.

"If you've got the Davis Cup on the back of a truck, take it round and show it off - it was hard won."

Among fellow sports stars paying tribute was Gary Lineker, who tweeted: "Britain wins the Davis Cup for the first time in almost 80 years. Perhaps now we can give @andy-murray the credit and plaudits he deserves."

Manchester United were quick to claim Murray's brother and doubles team-mate Jamie as one of their own, commenting on their official Twitter feed: "Congratulations to the Great Britain team, including £mufc fan @Jamie-Murray, on winning the @DavisCup for the first time since 1936!

Judy Murray, mother of the Davis Cup stars, was understandably proud, posting this message with an image of her youngest son on the deck: "Mission accomplished. @DavisCup"

Tennis great Boris Becker: "Amazing @andy-murray !!! Well done Capitain Leon Smith and rest of @TennisGB ! U guys made history today..."

Former world heavyweight champion David Haye: "So happy 4 @andy-murray another great moment & another British World Champion this weekend! Congratulations mate!!"

British heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson: "What a point and achievement!! @andy-murray"

And world No.1 Novak Djokovic also got in on the act by Tweeting: "Congrats £teamGB on DC win! @andy-murray Seeing ur reaction after winning made me relive again how it was 4 us in '10.Well done, u deserve it."