WALTER SMITH sadly passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 73 and the two halves Old Firm divide have been united in the Rangers great's death.

Smith was hugely successful as manager at Ibrox but it is the former Scotland and Everton boss' character that has prompted tributes from the other side of the great Glasgow rivalry.

Smith and Ally McCoist famously acted as pallbearers at the funeral of Celtic great Tommy Burns - another figure whose death united Scottish football as a whole - and prominent people from the green half of Glasgow have been quick to pay tribute to the Ibrox legend following the announcement of his death.

Sir Kenny Dalgish, who played for Celtic between 1969 and 1977, wrote on Twitter: "[My wife] Marina and my heartfelt sympathies are with Walter’s wife Ethel & his boys.

"Though we were on opposing sides on the pitch, he was a real footballing friend off of it.

"He was respected by all and one of the few able to transcend rivalries. Today we have lost a truly great man. RIP."

Chris Sutton, who played at Parkhead between 2000 and 2006, posted a tribute of his own on social media.

"Really sad news to hear of the passing of Walter Smith," he wrote.

"He was a true gentleman. Thoughts and prayers go out to Walter’s family."

John Hartson, a team-mate of Sutton's, said he was thinking of Smith's family after hearing the news.

He posted on Twitter: "RIP Walter Smith.

"Walter and [his] wife Ethel used to attend my Charity Ball every year and was a great fun [sic].

"Thoughts are with Ethel and the Smith family and friends."

Former Celtic captain Scott Brown, now on the books at Aberdeen, paid tribute to Smith at the Dons' press conference on Tuesday.

"Walter was a fantastic man," he said. "He was the one that gave me my first Scotland cap many years ago and I worked with him very, very closely coming through with Scotland.

"I have got huge respect for him as well, especially with what he did with Tommy Burns, carrying his coffin at the time.

Glasgow Times:

"He tried to bridge the gap as well between the two clubs which was fantastic at the time.

"Every time I met Walter he had so much time for every single person, he was great about the place with Scotland. What he has done for the Scottish game is amazing."

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou was also asked about his memories of Smith and although the Australian never met the Rangers legend, he insisted that Smith's achievements are recognised all over the world.

"Condolences to his family and all those close to him," he said at the club's media conference.

"I just heard the news and I can't recollect actually coming across him during my travels but I am well aware of his standing as a manager and his record at club and international level.

"More importantly you see the measure of the man with the people giving their tributes today. I just heard Ally McCoist who eloquently put it that he was just a great man.

Glasgow Times:

"A sad loss for Scottish football, but he is someone like all of his who want to make our mark as people in our profession.

"I am well aware of his record at Rangers, with Scotland and with Everton. His standing in the game worldwide.

"Trust me, I know him very, very well. The era I grew up he was one of those who you knew had a great standing in the game even from the other side of the world.

"I can assure you his loss will be felt globally and Australia absolutely. As I've said a few times there is a really strong expat community there."

Former Parkhead chief executive Peter Lawwell drew comparisons between Smith and Tommy Burns, the late Celtic manager who passed away in 2008 and also drew admiration from across the Old Firm divide, as he honoured the Rangers great.

"I am deeply saddened by Walter’s passing," he said.

"Over the years when he was Rangers manager we had our tussles and disagreements but we always had mutual respect for each other.

"We got on really well.

Glasgow Times:

"And he transcended the Celtic-Rangers rivalry. He was very close to Tommy Burns, he loved him, and no one can forget Walter’s presence at Tommy’s funeral.

"Over the years, after Walter left Rangers, we got to know each other better and kept in touch. We always spoke about football.

"Not just Rangers, I also felt he did a great job for Scotland.

"Rangers have rightly described him as a football legend.

"His achievements have been fantastic and he will always be remembered as a fantastic leader, a fantastic manager for Rangers and for Scottish football.

"Walter was simply a great man and he will be sorely missed.

"My thoughts and prayers are with Walter’s family."