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Ferguson leads tributes at Mackay funeral

Phil Noble / Reuters

London - Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson was one of several prominent figures from British football to pay tribute to Dave Mackay at the former Tottenham Hotspur captain's funeral on Tuesday.

Edinburgh-born midfielder Mackay died in hospital earlier this month at the age of 80 and was laid to rest at a funeral in the Scottish capital, with hundreds of fans lining the streets to watch his cortege go by.

"Everyone talks about his courage and bravery, but he was a fantastic footballer (as well)," Ferguson told mourners.

"He was skilful, he could play anywhere and he proved that. He was a fantastic guy and it's a privilege to speak here today. I think we've seen the passing of a truly great legend."

Mackay, who won 22 caps for Scotland, lifted all three domestic trophies with his first club Hearts before moving south of the border to join Tottenham in 1959.

He helped Spurs win the league and FA Cup in 1961 -- making them the first English team to achieve the feat in the 20th century -- and went on to win the FA Cup on two further occasions, in 1962 and 1967.

A tough-tackling midfielder, he also steered Derby County to the First Division title as a manager in 1975.

The current Hearts squad, who won the Scottish Championship on Sunday, attended the funeral, along with former Spurs players including Pat Jennings, Alan Gilzean, Steve Perryman and Clive Allen.

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