Alexander, who suffered a brain aneurysm in November 2003, passed away after arriving home from Macclesfield's 1-0 League Two defeat at Notts County on Tuesday night.

McIlroy said: "Keith was a great football man and his death is a tragedy.

"He was a truly honest man who always gave 100% and just loved football.

"I've been in his company many a time and we had some great conversations about football.

"His death is a major loss to football and he will be sorely missed. My thoughts are with his family at this time."

Source: Team Talk