FORMER Tottenham Hotspur team-mates Paul Gascoigne and Gary Lineker joined the football world in paying tribute to Justin Edinburgh, who tragically passed away on Saturday at the age of 49.

Edinburgh, who began his playing career with Southend United before moving to Spurs in 1990, suffered a cardiac arrest on Monday.

And Leyton Orient, who Edinburgh led to the National League title just a matter of weeks earlier, confirmed the Basildon-born former left-back’s untimely death in a statement five days later.

Having played alongside Edinburgh for two years at White Hart Lane and won the FA Cup together, Gascoigne tweeted: “I’m so, so devastated my mate Justin Edinburgh has passed away.

“What a great guy. My condolences go out to all his family.

“I’m so sorry to hear this incredibly sad news, my heart goes out to all his family. RIP Justin.”

Just a year after departing Roots Hall, Edinburgh was part of the Spurs side which won the FA Cup by beating Nottingham Forest in the 1991 final.

Gary Lineker was also one of his team-mates on that memorable day and the ex-striker took to social media to pay his respects to Edinburgh.

Lineker tweeted: “Deeply saddened to hear that Justin Edinburgh has passed away.

“He was an excellent coach and a terrific full-back who was a delight to share a dressing room with and have as a team-mate.

“Thoughts are with his family.”

Tottenham were quick to pay tribute to their former player, saying on Twitter: “We are deeply saddened and shocked to hear of the passing of Justin Edinburgh.

“Our heartfelt condolences and thoughts go out to his family and friends at this terribly difficult time as well as everyone that worked alongside Justin at Leyton Orient.”

His former Spurs team-mate Darren Anderton tweeted: “Can’t believe it. Such sad news about Justin. It’s not fair.

“One of the greatest guys you could ever wish to meet.

“When you were around him, you just laughed and smiled constantly. RIP mate.”

Following a decade with Spurs, where he won the FA Cup and League Cup, Edinburgh also turned out for Portsmouth and as player-manager of Billericay Town.

Edinburgh managed Fisher Athletic, Grays Athletic, Rushden & Diamonds, Newport County, Gillingham, Northampton Town and Orient.