Clarets heroes have paid tribute to 1950s flying winger Doug Newlands after he died at the age of 79.

The Edinburgh-born player arrived at Burnley from Aberdeen in March 1955 with a reputation as a fast right winger who could cross with pin-point accuracy.

He made his First Division debut in April 1955, in Burnley’s 1-0 win at Bolton, but had to wait for his chance for a regular spot.

The following season he took the position previously held by Billy Gray, who died at the age of 83 earlier this month.

He scored his first Burnley goal in March 1956 against Sunderland at Turf Moor.

Over the next two seasons Doug’s form was good enough to earn selection for Scotland’s original party of 40 for the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.

Former Clarets midfielder Brian Pilkington, who played alongside Doug, said: “I was a good friend of Dougie’s. I remember him coming down from Scotland and living in Burnley with his wife May and little lad, who was called Dougie as well.

“He was such a likeable chap, he was always smiling and having a bit of fun. He was just a really nice bloke. They were such a lovely family.”

The 1958-59 campaign saw the emergence of John Connelly and it was time for Doug to move on.

After 104 appearances and 23 goals, he was transferred to Stoke in 1959. Despite John having taken Doug’s place, he said there was never any animosity.

He said: “He was quick, good on the ball and a good dribbler, I admired him a lot. When he left he came and wished me all the best. He was a genuine lad.

“Dougie was a lovely person and he helped me a lot.”

After a season at Stoke, Doug moved back to Scotland and played for St Johnstone and Airdrie, before a short spell as manager of Forfar in 1966.