The thoughts of everyone at the Scottish FA are with the family and friends of former Scotland international Gordon McQueen who has sadly passed away at the age of 70.

In a celebrated football career, McQueen won 30 caps for Scotland and was part of the squads for both the 1974 and 1978 World Cups.

The centre-back was first given an opportunity with Scotland in 1974 by manager Willie Ormond when he was just 21, playing the full 90 minutes in his debut against Belgium in Bruges.

Following his debut, McQueen was then included in the national team squad for the World Cup later that month which took place in West Germany. Although he did not feature in that tournament, he would establish himself in the Scotland backline in 1975, scoring his first goal in a 1-1 draw against Romania in Bucharest.

Despite being a defender, goals would be a feature of McQueen’s international career. He found the net five times for his country, with two of those strikes coming during Scotland’s victorious campaign in the 1977 edition of the British Home Championship.

After scoring against Northern Ireland in the second match of that tournament, McQueen wrote his name into the history books by grabbing the opener in a 2-1 victory against England at Wembley as Scotland triumphed in the competition for the second year in a row.

He also marshalled the Scotland defence on another memorable night for the national team in November of the same year, when a 2-0 victory over Wales at Anfield secured qualification for the 1978 World Cup in Argentina.

Despite being part of the squad for that World Cup, McQueen did not feature as Scotland exited in the Group Stage. However, he would still go on to make a further ten appearances for his country following that tournament, eventually winning his final cap in 1981 against Wales in Swansea.

McQueen began his club career with St Mirren and moved to Leeds United in 1972. At Elland Road, he won the title in 1973-74 and reached a European Cup final a year later, before moving to Manchester United in 1978.

He would enjoy a successful seven-year career at Old Trafford, making 229 appearances and winning the FA Cup in 1983. A brief stint with Seiko in Hong Kong followed, before he called time on his playing career in 1986.

Following his retirement from playing, McQueen enjoyed a stint as Airdrie manager and a spell as a coach at Middlesbrough. He was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in 2012.

Scottish FA President Mike Mulraney: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Gordon McQueen, one of the finest defenders Scotland has ever produced.

“During a stellar career, he lifted major trophies with Leeds and Manchester United, while his goal against England in 1977 will forever be etched in the hearts of Scotland supporters.

“His endeavours at the heart of Scotland’s defence were rightfully recognised in 2012, as he was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame.

“A popular figure within the game, he will be remembered fondly. The thoughts of everyone at the Scottish FA are with his family at this difficult time.”