Sammy Lee described Ronnie Moran as an ‘absolute inspiration’ as he paid his respects to his former Liverpool colleague.

The Reds legend passed away on Wednesday morning and Lee, who worked under him as a player and later alongside him as a coach, explained how his career has been shaped by Moran’s tutoring.

“I am very, very saddened and sorry to hear the news of Ronnie’s death this morning,” he said via his current club, Crystal Palace.

“He was a mentor to me – in everything I’ve done, he’s been an absolute inspiration. He was, is and always will be an inspiration to me as a player, coach and more importantly as a person.

“I’d like to send my condolences from me and my family to Ronnie’s family – to Joyce, Paul and the kids.

“We are thinking of you at this time and I send my sincerest condolences.”