The nephew of a post-war professional footballer has paid tribute to his uncle who died at the age of 90.
Norman Ireland, right, played outside left for St Johnstone for a season from 1945 before moving to Brechin City.
He also turned out for Airdrie, Forfar Athletic and Dundee United before his senior career ended when he broke his leg but he went on to join the junior ranks and scouted for Dundee North End.
His nephew Malcolm Gracie, now 70, said his uncle was a family man who was the life and soul of the party. However, Mr Gracie said at a young age he had failed to live up to his uncle’s football aspirations.
He said: “I think I was a bit of a disappointment for him in terms of football. It was a bit of a family joke.
“I was his only nephew and I think he saw great things for me. I was around three or four when he bought me a football. He told me in later life that, when he handed me the ball, I looked at him and said ‘what is it?’
“He was fun to be with and his passing has been a sad loss to the family.”
Mr Ireland was raised in Dundee and went to Rockwell School. Latterly his home was in the Craigiebank area. He is survived by his wife Mima, daughter June, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.