McColl pictured in his final season at Ibrox, 1960/61

Ian McColl, the former Rangers captain and Sunderland and Scotland manager, has died at the age of 81.

McColl was a key figure, along with the likes of George Young and Sammy Cox, in the great post-war Rangers defence.

In his 15-year Ibrox career, from 1946-1961, he won six league titles, five Scottish Cups and two League Cups.

As Scotland manager, McColl won British Home Championships in 1962 and 1963 before returning to club football to take charge at Sunderland in 1965.

Rangers chief executive Martin Bain said: "We are saddened to learn of Ian's passing. He was a magnificent player for Rangers and a key member of the Iron Curtain defence in the post-war era."

Gordon Smith, the chief executive of the Scottish Football Association, said: "Ian McColl was a wonderful footballer for club and country.

"As a manager, he had one of the best records as Scotland boss and was in charge for some memorable victories - notably the win at Wembley and the fantastic result against Spain in Madrid.

"Everyone at the Scottish FA passes on their condolences to Ian's friends and family at this sad time."

McColl was born in Alexandria in June 1927. An athletic figure, he played for Queen's Park at just 16 and was signed for Rangers by Bill Struth, who admired his combative style.

After impressive performances at club level, he earned a call-up to the Scotland squad and went on to win 14 caps.

When McColl finished his distinguished playing career at Ibrox, he became manager of Scotland.

With players of the calibre of Denis Law and Dave Mackay in his team, he led his country to an impressive record of 16 wins in 27 matches.

On leaving the national set-up, he became manager at Sunderland for three years from 1965, where he signed Jim Baxter from his former club.

He is survived by wife Jessie, son Ian and daughter Aileen.

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