FORMER Everton star Andy Rankin has died aged 79.
The ex-Goodison goalkeeper played for the Toffees between 1963 and 1971, with tributes pouring in.
Goalkeeper Rankin played 105 times for Everton before joining Watford.
Concluding a lengthy tribute, the Toffees wrote: "The thoughts of everyone at Everton Football Club are with Andy’s family and friends at this sad time."
Rankin's former Goodison team-mate Joe Royle said: "Andy was a great keeper, very athletic with excellent reflexes. He was brave with it as well.
"Everton was his team and he was just so unlucky to have Westy [Gordon West] in front of him.
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"Whenever he played, he never let us down, that’s for sure. I’ll never forget the penalty save against Monchengladbach to take us through.
"And I am certain that he will forever be the last Everton goalkeeper to drive three-wheeled Robin Reliant! The lads picked it up one day and hid it behind the gym at Bellefield!
"Andy saw the funny side because he had a great sense of humour himself. He was just a great guy and I am deeply saddened by his passing."
Rankin made history during his career by becoming the first goalkeeper to ever make a victory-securing save in a Uefa penalty shoot-out.
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His big moment came during a European Cup tie with Borussia Monchengladbach in 1970.
Following a 2-2 aggregate draw, Rankin saved from Ludwig Muller to send his team through.
He left Goodison in 1971, joining Watford for £20,000.
Rankin represented the Hornets until 1980, making more than 300 appearances.
He concluded his career with a two-year spell at Huddersfield, hanging up his boots in 1982.
Upon news of Rankin's passing, the Terriers wrote on social media: "We're all saddened to learn of the passing of our former goalkeeper Andy Rankin, aged 79.
"Among his achievements, he played 24 times as #htafc clinched the Fourth Division title in May 1980.
"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."
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Following his playing retirement, Rankin tried his hand at coaching.
He then switched careers, working at a printing firm until retiring.
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