Former Rangers player Derek Grierson has died, aged 79.

Signed from Queen's Park in 1952, Derek played 128 games for the club and scored a total of 69 goals before leaving for Falkirk in 1957 where he helped the then Brockville-based club lift the Scottish Cup when they beat Kilmarnock at Hampden in a replay.

Prestonpans-born Grierson also went on to appear for Arbroath, Stirling Albion, Forfar and Cowdenbeath before he retired.

An inside-right, he was quick and clever on the ball, taking up good positions and posing a real threat in and around the penalty area.

Grierson's first campaign at Ibrox was undoubtedly his best as he scored 23 goals in 30 league games and the Light Blues became champions for the first time in three years.

It was to be the legendary Bill Struth's second last season in charge and it was a successful one as the Scottish Cup was also claimed.

Once more, small but strongly-built Grierson was an integral part of the silverware-winning side as he scored five goals in seven games and Gers went on to beat Aberdeen 1-0 in a replayed final.

In all competitions that term, he found the net 31 times and was the club's leading scorer ahead of Billy Simpson.

Grierson's funeral will take place tomorrow at noon at the Linn Crematorium in Glasgow.

A club spokesman said: "We are extremely sorry to hear of Derek Grierson's passing and extend our sympathies and deepest thoughts to his family at this very sad time."

He is survived by his wife Marguerite, his sons Gordon and Finlay and his grandchildren Giulia, Barbara, Carolina and Derek.