RANGERS have announced the death of former Ibrox keeper Billy Ritchie after a short illness. He was 79.

Ritchie made 369 appearances for the Light Blues after joining the club from Bathgate Thistle in 1955 and won two league titles, four Scottish cups and three League cups during a successful Gers career.

Part of the famous Ibrox side of the 60's, Ritchie was an ever present for Rangers during the Treble winning campaign of 1963/64 and helped the Gers into the 1961 Cup Winners' Cup final.

He left Rangers in 1967 and finished his playing career with spells at Partick Thistle, Motherwell and Stranraer.

A Rangers statement read: "Everyone at Rangers sends their sincere condolences to Billy’s Wife Margaret and his family and friends at this difficult time.

"As a mark of respect, a minute’s silence will be observed prior to tonight’s game against Morton at Ibrox."