TRIBUTES have been paid to ex-Morton player Joe Mason who has died at the age of 79.

The forward made nearly 200 appearances for the Ton between 1966-72, scoring 77 goals.

His time at Cappielow was sandwiched between trophy-laden spells at Kilmarnock in his native Ayrshire, famously winning the top division title in the '64-65 season, and then Rangers before becoming a first team coach at Ibrox.

It was during his time in Greenock that he made the bulk of his league appearances and notched up an impressive number of goals.

A Morton spokesperson said: "Everyone at Greenock Morton is saddened to hear of the passing of former player Joe Mason.

"Joe made 191 appearances for the club and scored 77 goals during his time at Cappielow.

"Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and friends at this difficult time."

Rangers also paid tribute to their former player and coach.

In a statement, the club said: "Mason joined Gers at the end of his career from Morton and played 19 times across seasons 1972/73, and 1973/74 before his retirement.

"From there, he joined the Ibrox coaching staff and helped the club to one of the most successful periods in their history as they won the league in 1975 and then claimed the treble in both 1976 and 1978.

"As a player, he was also a part of the Kilmarnock side which famously won the league title under Willie Waddell in season 1964-65.

"The thoughts of everyone at Rangers Football Club are with the family of Joe."