CELTIC comeback Bhoy Shaun Maloney admits it is “a huge honour” to become part of the champions’ backroom set-up.
The former Hoops midfielder, who had rwo spells as a player at the club, is the new Professional Player Pathway Manager with the aim of developing the progression of players, as the club have announced.
The 42-year-old, who made 47 international appearances for Scotland, will work closely with Brendan Rodgers, Paul Tisdale, Head of Football Operations, and Chris McCart, Head of the Academy.
GOAL-DEN BHOY…Shaun Maloney celebrates a strike against Stuttgart during Celtic’s European run to Seville in 2003. Stiliyan Petrov is about to add his congratulations.
Maloney, who won eight honours – including five titles – in over 200 outings for the Parkhead outfit, said: “It is a huge honour to be given this opportunity to return to Celtic, in a role which I am really passionate about.
“My aim will be to work really closely between our Academy and the First Team and create the very best opportunities for success, which will ultimately be represented by more and more players reaching our first team environment.
“I have been fortunate enough to follow this same pathway and I am now excited about ensuring many more young players can take this same journey.”
Boss Rodgers added: “I am really pleased to welcome Shaun to this post. He is someone I believe will make a great contribution to the club in this area.
“He is an intelligent guy who knows what it takes to be a successful Celtic player and I think his experience will be invaluable in this role.
“He has all the credentials to be really successful in positively developing our younger players.”
Maloney also played for Aston Villa and Wigan and also had managerial stints at Wigan and Hibs.
