THE Scottish FA have announced the death of highly-respected former referee Jim McCluskey at the age of 63.

The ex-whistler was one of the most familiar famous in the game for many years, racking up three Scottish Cup finals, four League Cup finals and one Challenge Cup final.

Mr McCluskey also received international recognition, with him officiating at more than 40 matches, including refereeing England against Brazil in the 1991/92 season as well as six Euro qualifying ties.

He had been suffering recently from illness and passed away earlier this week.

A SFA spokesman said: "It was with great sadness that the Scottish FA learned yesterday of the death of Jim McCluskey, the former referee and member of the Referee Committee.

"Whilst Jim had been suffering from illness over the last two years, his death - at only 63 years old - has come as a great shock to all who knew him.

"Our deepest thoughts are with Jim's wife Anne and their family.

"Jim established a great reputation and was much-respected within the game; by clubs and players as much as his fellow referees.

"In refereeing terms, he was the ultimate 'safe pair of hands' and able to deal comfortably with the most demanding situations in matches.

"Jim's personality enabled him to control matches with a strong will but with a mutual respect."

On retiring after the 2000 Scottish Cup final, Mr McCluskey was appointed as the referee supervisor for Ayrshire.

He was appointed a member of the Referee Committee in 2003, while also acting as a referee observer for the SFA and Uefa.