FORMER Celtic player Frank Connor has died at the age of 86.

The former goalkeeper passed away this morning following a short illness.

Connor also had stints with St Mirren, Portadown, Derry City, Albion Rovers and Cowdenbeath.

A Celtic statement read: "Everyone at Celtic is saddened to hear that former player and backroom Bhoy, Frank Connor has passed away at the age 86.

"Frank wore his Celtic heart on his sleeve and he was bursting with pride when he joined his beloved Hoops as a 24-year-old goalkeeper from Blantyre Celtic in 1960."

In 1962 Connor moved on to Portadown in Ireland before also playing for St Mirren, Derry City, Portadown again, Albion Rovers and Cowdenbeath.

It was at his final two clubs that he also took up player/coach and player/manager duties that would stand in him in good stead for his future career that also included a couple of returns to Celtic where his heart always lay.

Connor managed at Cowdenbeath and Berwick Rangers before becoming assistant manager at Motherwell and then taking up the same role under Davie Hay at Celtic.

He then moved to Raith Rovers and Hearts before coming home once more in 1993 and taking over the Celtic reserve side.

It was in that period that Connor became Celtic’s caretaker manager between the reigns of Liam Brady and Lou Macari and was unbeaten in four games in charge, a run that included a 2-1 win at Ibrox and a UEFA Cup win over Sporting Lisbon.

Celtic's statement added: "The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic Park are with Frank's family and friends at this sad time."