Airdrie and Rangers legend Ian McMillan given touching tribute as funeral cortege passes Excelsior pitch on final journey

Airdrieonians paid their last respects to Ian McMillan yesterday as the club legend's funeral cortege passed through the Excelsior Stadium.

The former Diamonds and Rangers forward died last month at the age of 92 and the North Lanarkshire club hosted a fitting pitch-side tribute as their iconic player made his final journey.

Airdrie anthem 'Can't Help Falling In Love With You' by Elvis played over the public address system as the procession passed the side of the pitch, while mourners showed their appreciation for his sterling career with a round of applause.

Representatives from the club were also in the stands as the cortege made its way through the stadium.

Earlier in the day, Diamonds player-boss Rhys McCabe, club captain Adam Frizzell and goalkeeping coch David Hutton were among those pictured attending McMillan's funeral service at Cairnlea Parish Church in Airdrie, before family members attened a private cremation.

A video post on social media from Airdrieonians read: "A fitting send off for a Diamonds icon.

"Representatives of the board, management, play staff and support were present as Ian McMillan's funerla cortege passed through the Excelsior Stadium.

"Thank you for the wonderful memories, Ian."

Last month, both Rangers and Airdrie held a minute's silence before their matches in honour of McMillan.

Nicknamed 'The Wee Prime Minister', Ian was born on March 18, 1931, grew up a stone’s throw away from Airdrie’s original Broomfield Stadium, and signed professional forms after leaving Airdrie Academy aged 17.

In April 1952, McMillan gained the first of five full Scotland caps while at Airdrie, and Rangers signed him in 1958 in a deal worth £10,300.

During his six years at Ibrox, McMillan won three Scottish Cup and