Rangers and Scotland legend Andy Goram tragically dies age 58 after illness

Rangers legend Andy Goram has tragically died aged 58 following a short battle with cancer, the club have confirmed.

Goram - who announced that he had oesophageal cancer in April, and revealed to the Daily Record that he turned down chemotherapy as it would only extend his life by three months - made 260 appearances for the Scottish giants between 1991 and 1998.

An official statement from Rangers read: "Rangers Football Club are today deeply saddened to announce the death of our legendary goalkeeper, Andy Goram, following a short battle with cancer. The thoughts of the directors, management, players and staff are today with Andy's family, and would ask that their privacy is respected at this sad time. Funeral details will be communicated in due course."

During his time in Glasgow, the Bury-born stopper won five league titles, three Scottish Cups and two League Cups. Some of Gorman's finest performances came in their superb 1992/93 Champions League campaign - the same season in which he won the Scottish PFA and Football Writers' Player of the Year - as Rangers beat English champions Leeds United to qualify for the tournament and remarkably came within one goal of reaching the final.

In a Rangers supporters' poll held in 1999, the Scotland international was voted the club's greatest goalkeeper of all-time. Goram Beginning his career at Oldham Athletic, Goram headed north of the border to play for Hibernian from 1987 to 1991, demonstrating his quality which led to him making the move to Glasgow.

Following his illustrious preriod between the posts at Ibrox, Goram featured for Notts County, Sheffield United and Motherwell over the next three seasons. A loan spell with Manchester United saw him help the Red Devils win the Premier League title in 2001, making two appearances.

Hamilton Academical would be his next employers, followed by Coventry City, a second stint at Oldham, Queen of the South and then, finally, Elgin City. Gorman's time with Queens saw him become the first player to complete the set of Scottish medals, as he claimed a Challenge Cup medal to go alongside the Scottish top flight, Scottish Cup and League Cup.

Winning an impressive 43 caps for Scotland, Gorman was first-choice for the Tartan Army at Euro '92 and Euro '96 in Sweden and England respectively.

Rangers added: "The thoughts of the directors, management, players and staff are today with Andy's family, and would ask that their privacy is respected at this sad time. Funeral details will be communicated in due course."

Former Celtic striker John Hartson paid tribute by writing on Twitter: "Sorry to hear the sad passing of Andy Goram.. Sending my condolences onto the Goram family.. RIP Andy."

Chris Sutton added: "Really sad news to hear of the passing of Andy Goram. Taken far too young. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family." Ex-Manchester United right-back Gary Neville also tweeted: "Terribly sad news about Andy Goram. RIP Andy. Love to all your family."