Tributes have been paid to former Morton player Graeme Morrison who has died aged just 41

The ex-Cappielow defender, who played for the club during the 1999/2000 season, passed away on Tuesday night.

Morrison started his career with Celtic and was captain of their reserve side before signing for the Ton.

The hardy centre-half made 24 appearances, including 23 starts, and scored once for the Cappielow club.

Former Ton team-mate, Derek Anderson, visited Morrison in hospital just 10 days ago along with fellow ex-Ton players Andy Millen and Paul McDonald.

The married dad-of-two, from Falkirk, was told last year he had just weeks to live after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer but battled on for over a year.

Anderson, who is now Morton's Ton director of youth, said: "It's a real shame, it's very tragic.

"I was actually up seeing Graeme 10 days ago in hospital and knew then it wasn't good news and that he hadn't long to go.

"Last year he was told he had six weeks and he went and got married and hung on for over a year.

"Even when we went to see him we thought that was him but he still kept going.

"That was typical of Morrison, he was strong."

The former Ton man, who was a popular figure at Parkhead as well, was also known for his sense of humour and continued cracking jokes despite being gravely ill.

Anderson told the Tele: "Myself, Paul McDonald and Andy Millen were only supposed to get 20 minutes but we were there for about two-and-a-half hours laughing and joking.

"He wouldn't let us go, he was a great laugh.

"We were talking about old times and he also spoke about his time at Celtic.

"He was also a very tough, good player.

"One game against Airdrie he got his two front teeth knocked out and still went out that night.

"He was a character."

During his career, Morrison also played for Irish side Dundalk, Tampere in Finland and had a spell with Stirling Albion.

A Morton spokesman said: "It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of our former defender Graeme Morrison at the tragically young age of 41 after a battle with illness.

"A former Celtic youth player, Graeme was signed by Billy Stark in October 1999 and made 24 appearances for the club in season 1999/00, becoming something of a cult hero with the fans during that short spell.

"Everyone at Greenock Morton Football Club extends our sincere condolences to Graeme’s family and friends at this very sad time."