The Hoops manager fought back tears as he spoke about his former first-team coach following Burns' tragic death from cancer at the age of 51 in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Strachan has won two titles in two seasons as well as taking Celts to the last 16 of the Champions League twice.

However, he regards the greatest triumph of his time in the east end of Glasgow was finding a friend in a man he grew to adore.

Strachan said: “No disrespect to football, but being Tommy's mate has been the best part of joining Celtic. Being able to call Tommy Burns my friend was the best thing I could get.

“He will be judged not as a footballer - and there weren't many better - but as a person. He's top of the league when it comes to being a man.

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