Ally McCoist has shared a hilarious memory of Craig Brown as he paid tribute to the late manager.

Former Scotland and Aberdeen boss Brown passed away on Monday after a short illness.

The world of football united in mourning after news of Brown's death with tributes flooding in for the popular and hugely respected manager.

And Rangers hero McCoist saluted "fantastic" Brown as he recalled a hilarious tale of one of his favourite moments with the former manager.

On talkSPORT, McCoist revealed a pre-match talk from Brown left the Scotland players in stitches laughing before a World Cup qualifier against Portugal in 1993.

He said: "Wee Broony, man. He was hilarious, he was brilliant. He was so friendly, had time for everybody, loved a laugh man. He just loved a laugh.

"I can always see him with a big smile on his face.

"It was Wee Bleeper that came away with the original 'he could walk under that table with a top hat on.' It was him that I stole it from.

"Its a great story. We're playing Portugal in Lisbon, all of a sudden we've got their team lined up but this guy comes from left field. Rui Barros, I think his name was.

"A wee guy called Rui Barros. None of us knew - where's Rui Barros come from?

"Andy Roxburgh's the manager at the time and Wee Broony stood up at the team meeting. He says 'don't worry about him, Rui Barros - he's that size. He could walk under a table with a top hat on'. We're all falling about laughing."

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Barros would go on to net twice in the match with Portugal running out 5-0 winners in the qualifier.

McCoist continued: "Anyway - four hours later after Rui Barros has scored two and we've been battered all over the place in Lisbon, we're like that 'Bleeper, you'll need to give us more on that Rui Barros!'

"He was fantastic, he really was. Very good coach, great manager, really likeable. All the boys loved him.

"His health sadly deteriorated towards the end and sadly it was no major surprise yesterday's news. However, it doesn't make it any easier at all. Thoughts with the family."

On Instagram, McCoist added: "Very saddened at today’s news about the great Craig Brown. Craig was a good man who had time for everyone, and always time for a laugh.

"We have some fantastic memories that will live forever. Thoughts, condolences and love with Craig’s family & many friends."

News of Brown's sad passing was confirmed on Monday. The iconic manager died peacefully at University Hospital, Ayr, surrounded by close family members.

A statement from the family read: “Craig died peacefully today after a short illness in University Hospital, Ayr, surrounded by close family members.

“The family wish to express their deep appreciation of the outstanding care and attention provided by hospital staff and the countless messages of support and sympathy from friends and colleagues.

“At this particularly sad time the family now requests that their privacy is respected during the grieving process.”