Legendary former Liverpool captain Ron Yeats has died at the age of 86.

The ex-Scotland defender was part of the Liverpool side that won the Second Division title under Bill Shankly in 1962.

Yeats went to win two top-flight titles, the FA Cup and the Charity Shield three times, helping establish Liverpool as one of the most successful clubs in the country.

He played 454 games before joining Tranmere as player-manager in 1971.

More than 400 of those appearances were as captain, a tally bettered only by Steven Gerrard.

In January he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

"Liverpool FC is mourning the passing of legendary former captain Ron Yeats," read a club statement. "In the words of Bill Shankly, a 'colossus' in club history.

"The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Ron's wife, Ann, all of his family and his friends at this incredibly sad time."

Flags at Anfield and Liverpool's training grounds will be lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect.

Yeats won two caps for Scotland in 1964 and 1965.

He began his career at Dundee United before joining Liverpool in 1961. He also played for Stalybridge Celtic and Barrow and had a spell in the American Soccer League.

Yeats returned to England for short spells at Formby and Rhyl before retiring from playing in 1977.

In 1986 he rejoined Liverpool as chief scout and remained in the role before retiring in 2006.

Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge said: "Woke up today to the sad news of one of Liverpool football club's all-time greats as a player and a captain, Ron Yeats.

"What a man. I’m honoured to have met him on many occasions."

Ex-Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler said: "RIP to the great man. Thinking of Ron’s friends and family."

Former Liverpool defender and assistant manager Phil Thompson, who joined the club the year Yeats left, said: "So sad to hear of the passing of Big Ron Yeats, one of my heroes as a kid and had the pleasure to become his friend. Doesn’t get much better. RIP Big Man."