HELENSBURGH'S MP has paid tribute in the House of Commons to Burgh resident Walter Smith after the former Rangers manager died aged 73.

In a speech to his fellow MPs Mr O'Hara, whose great-great-grandfather, John O'Hara, was one of Celtic FC's founding fathers, spoke of his great respect for the Ibrox legend - despite the hold his team had over Mr O'Hara's own favourites.

Hailing Mr Smith's "remarkable career" of more than half a century, Mr O'Hara joked: “Walter’s career was the cause of great personal angst and unhappiness for me, as his team regularly wiped the floor with mine.”

The SNP MP for Argyll and Bute added: “What we can all agree on is that whether through tears of joy or tears of sorrow, Walter Smith enjoyed a remarkable managerial career and one which is up there with the very best Scotland has ever produced."

Winning 10 top-flight titles as manager, five Scottish Cups and six League Cups, as well as leading his club to the UEFA Cup final in 2008, 'Sir Walter' - as he was affectionately known by Rangers supporters - was also honorary president of Ardencaple youth football club in Helensburgh.

As a player he was part of the Dumbarton squad which reached the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup in 1976.

He also managed the Scotland national team between 2004 and 2006, leading the team to one of their most famous victories of the 21st century, a 1-0 win over France at Hampden Park during the qualifying campaign for the 2008 European Championships.

Mr O'Hara told MPs: “His was a remarkable managerial career which will live long in the memory, but perhaps more importantly, Walter Smith will be remembered as a thoroughly decent and honourable man; a man who despite proudly wearing his Rangers colours, managed to cut across the maelstrom of football rivalry in Glasgow and was a hugely respected figure on the green half of the city too.”

He said: “I had the privilege of working with him in 2011 when I wrote, produced and directed a two-hour long documentary - along with my friend and lifelong Rangers fan Andy Halley – on his remarkable football career for STV.

“Throughout the making of the documentary Walter was unfailing courteous, helpful and immensely co-operative.”

A memorial service - for invited guests only, but to be broadcast on Rangers FC's own TV channel - will be held at Glasgow Cathedral on Friday, November 19.