FORMER Oxford United player Stuart Gray has died at the age of 50.

Gray, the son of former Leeds United and Scotland winger Eddie Gray, died at a hospice in Yorkshire after being diagnosed with cancer last year.

The U’s said in a statement: “Everyone at Oxford United was saddened to learn of the death of our former winger Stuart Gray.

“The former Celtic player joined Oxford from Rushden & Diamonds in August 2005, to link up again with manager Brian Talbot.

“He made 11 appearances for the U’s, with his final game coming in February 2006, before injury ended his professional career.

“Stuart had been bravely fighting Cholangiocarcinoma, a very rare and highly aggressive form of cancer. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Gray played 32 times for Celtic after coming through the club’s youth ranks. He also played for Greenock Morton on loan, before going on to play for Reading, Rushden & Diamonds, and United.

Celtic said in a statement: “Everyone at Celtic is deeply saddened by the news that former Celt, Stuart Gray, has passed away after illness at the age of 50.

“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic Park are with Stuart’s family and friends at this very sad time.”