GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) — Tommy Burns, who played for Celtic before holding coaching roles at the club including manager, has died after fighting skin cancer, the club said today. He was 51.

Burns played for Celtic from 1975-89 and represented Scotland eight times. He went on to manage Celtic for three seasons, and in 1995 won the club's first trophy for six years with the Scottish Cup.

Burns was recognized as one of Scotland's best coaches and had been in contention to become national team manager this year, but was passed over in favor of George Burley.

"Tommy is someone who was loved by so many of us," Celtic chairman John Reid said. "He was a man of true integrity and dignity. As a Celtic player, manager and coach, Tommy served Celtic with distinction and true professionalism.

"It was a privilege to know Tommy Burns. He was a man who gave so much to the club he loved over so many years."

Burns spent almost his entire career in Celtic's midfield, winning six league titles and three Scottish Cups — including both trophies in 1988.

After scoring 52 goals in 352 appearances, he joined Kilmarnock in 1989 and became player-manager in 1992, guiding the club into the Scottish Premier League.

He moved back to Celtic in 1994.

"He was a true gentleman and someone who had the ability to connect and engage with anyone he met," Reid said. "As Celtic supporters we recognized Tommy as one of our own and Tommy in turn was always delighted to spend time in the company of fellow fans."