FORMER Celtic reserve player, Graeme Morrison, has died at the age of just 41 after losing his battle with pancreatic cancer.

The Falkirk-born centre-half, who joined on an ‘s’ form in 1991, was a regular in the youth and reserve sides of the club between signing as a professional in 1994 and leaving to join Tampere in Finland in 1999.

During his time with Celtic, Graeme also went on loan to Irish club, Dundalk, where he made a handful of first-team league appearances.

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He also played with Morton and Stirling Albion on his return from Finland.

The news of the sad passing was shared on Twitter by Celtic’s supporter liaison officer John Paul Taylor.

He wrote: “Graeme Morrison was Captain of the reserves when I started in ‘93 he was a top Bhoy. Sadly Morrie passed away last night aged just 42, RIP.”

The tweet quickly gathered more than 1,000 reactions and comments.

One user of the site replied: “Damn - I went to school with that lad and hadn’t heard until reading this. Gutted for the family.”

Another added: “I was at school with him as well and played in the same BB football team with him. Sad times.”

“With Liam Miller’s benefit game yesterday and now this tragic news, should put our current ‘niggles’ (that’s all they are) into perspective. RIP Graeme YNWA,” were another user’s thoughts.

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In a statement, Celtic Football Club said: “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic Park are with Graeme’s family and friends at this sad time.”

Greenock Morton also paid tribute to the footballer.

The club said: “It was with great sadness we learned of the passing of our former defender Graeme Morrison at the tragically young age of 41 after a battle with illness.

“A former Celtic youth player, Graeme was signed by Billy Stark in October 1999 and made 24 appearances for the club in season 1999/00, becoming something of a cult hero with the fans during that short spell.

“Everyone at Greenock Morton Football Club extends our sincere condolences to Graeme’s family and friends at this very sad time.”