Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has paid his tributes to Hearts and Tottenham legend Dave Mackay who was laid to rest on Tuesday.
The former Scotland international passed away earlier this month at the age of 80.
Mackay, who won 22 caps for Scotland, lifted all three domestic trophies with his first club Hearts before moving to the Tottenham in 1959.
A tough-tackling midfielder, he helped Spurs win the League and FA Cup double in 1961, making them the first English team to achieve the feat in the 20th century. He won the FA Cup on two further occasions, in 1962 and 1967, with the north London club.
He also led Derby County to the First Division title as their manager in 1975.
Paying tribute to Mackay, Ferguson recounted the only time he faced Mackay on the football pitch.
"I was playing for Queen's Park reserves against Hearts reserves at Tynecastle and the great Mackay was playing because he was coming back from a broken toe," he said.
"It was sore. But our generation did not lie down; you had to get up. And I got up with that sort of vengeance that a young lad from Glasgow would have and I got up there and I looked at that barrel chest, looked into his eyes and he said 'are you all right, son?'
"I really should've said at that point 'Dave, is your toe all right?' But it was a great memory for me; the only time I ever played against Dave Mackay and I shall never forget it.
"They all talk about this great courage he had - I think it's unfair. All the papers and everything I've read is about this great courage he had and we all know he was the bravest man in the world, but he was a fantastic footballer; he was skilful.
"His personality, his intensity and his desire to win could make any team and he proved that by going to Derby County and winning the league there as a centre-back. He could play anywhere.
"He was a humble person and humility is laced by great people and I think that Dave embraced that thoroughly.
"He protected his modesty with a pride only a Scotsman can do and that has made me particularly proud of him.
"I think we've seen the passing of a true, great legend."
