Former Rangers and Scotland legend Jim Baxter has died at the age of 61, the Scottish Premiership club said today.
The former Ibrox idol, affectionately known as 'Slim Jim', was diagnosed as suffering from cancer in January.
Baxter was one of the finest wing-halves in world football in the early 1960s when he won three league championships, three Scottish Cups andfour League Cups with Rangers.
During his two stints with the club he made a total of 254 appearances and scored 24 goals.
Baxter also won 34 caps for Scotland and represented the Rest of the World in the Football Association's centenary match against England atWembley in 1963.
Perhaps his most famous performance came at Wembley in 1967, when Scotland defeated World Cup holders England 3-2 to earn what they laterdescribed as the unofficial tag of 'world champions'.
Baxter produced a mesmerising display, which included playing his own game of 'keepy-uppy' on the touchline and sitting on the ball at one stageto show how far he was in command of the English defence.
However, his hard living took its toll and in July 1994 he had two liver transplants in four days at the Scottish Liver Transplant Unit at EdinburghRoyal Infirmary.
A Rangers statement said: "On behalf of Jim Baxter's family Rangers Football Club is deeply saddened to confirm that Jim passed away peacefullyat home today.
"The Rangers and Scotland legend had been ill for some time and his family would like to extend their sincere thanks to his many friends andsupporters and well-wishers who sent cards and messages of support and encouragement. Jim and his family greatly appreciated their kindnessand concern."
AFP