TRIBUTES have been paid to former Scotland striker Ian St John after he passed away at the age of 82.

The Motherwell born forward played more than 300 times and lifted two league titles with Liverpool FC and scored nine goals for his country. 

He later managed his hometown club - where he began his career in the 1950s - and was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in 2008. 

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After his retirement, he became a well-known face in the media and presented the afternoon football show Saint and Greavsie alongside England great Jimmy Greaves. 

He passed away on Monday evening following a long illness. 

Glasgow Times: St John began his career with Motherwell St John began his career with Motherwell

Today, Steven Gerrard, the Rangers manager, and a host of footballing legends paid tribute to the son of a Lanarkshire steelworker. 

Ex-Liverpool captain Gerrard heard the news during a press conference and said: “That’s a shock and a surprise to me.

"I’m really disappointed to hear that. He’s an iconic figure at Liverpool Football Club.

“He’s someone I’ve met on numerous occasions. A fantastic guy. Really insightful in terms of his career and experience at Liverpool and trying to pass on a lot of knowledge and expertise.

“So I’m really devastated to hear that news, so I’d like to pass on my condolences to all his family and everyone close to the Saint. He’s a legend and an iconic figure at the club and someone I’ve got incredible respect for.”

Andy Robertson, the Giffnock-born Liverpool and Scotland defender, added his own tribute, writing: "A man of warmth, humour, knowledge, wisdom and joy. Scotland and Liverpool has lost a true giant. My love goes to his family. Rest in peace Ian St John." 

"We are very sad to hear the Saint has passed away,” a statement on Greaves’ official Twitter account read.

Glasgow Times: St John, right, linked up with Jimmy Greaves to form a memorable TV partnership after his playing career ended (PA)St John, right, linked up with Jimmy Greaves to form a memorable TV partnership after his playing career ended (PA)

“Ian St John and I had great fun working on the Saint and Greavsie He was a lovely man & will be sadly missed by many many people. we must also remember he was a great footballer for Bill Shankly’s Liverpool and beyond.”

Former Celtic and Scotland striker Kenny Dalglish added: "Ian St John was instrumental in making Liverpool FC the Club it is today.

"Long may he be remembered for all of the happy memories he has given to fans." 

St John began his career with Motherwell in 1957 and scored 80 goals in 113 league games.

Glasgow Times: A mural in Liverpool alongside striker partner Roger Hunt (Peter Byrne/PA)A mural in Liverpool alongside striker partner Roger Hunt (Peter Byrne/PA)

The Scottish Premiership club said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ian St John. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

The team's chief executive, Alan Burrows, added: "A sad day not only for Motherwell FC and Liverpool FC, but for football generally.

"An iconic and legendary name at Fir Park and the epitome of what our club is about - giving a platform to talented local youngsters to shine and make a great career in the game." 

St John also represented Scotland 21 times, scoring nine goals.

The Scottish Football Association said: “We are saddened by the passing of former @ScotlandNT international Ian St John.

Glasgow Times: St John made his Scotland debut aged just 20 (PA)St John made his Scotland debut aged just 20 (PA)

“Ian won 21 caps for his country, scoring nine times during a career that saw him represent @MotherwellFC and @LFC. The thoughts of everyone at the Scottish FA are with Ian’s family and friends.”