HOOPS AGREE OZ DEAL

CELTIC have struck a deal with Nerang Eagles to make them their feeder club in Australia.

The Queensland-based outfit will host a Celtic Coaching School from April 3-17 for kids aged 9-18.

Eagles Coaching Director Gary Scott said: “We had a chat for a good while and then Tony Massie, Celtic’s soccer academy manager, came over to Australia where we had further detailed conversations about how the partnership will work and what’s expected of each club.

“This, of course, includes a Celtic coaching clinic to be held during the Easter school holidays at our club here at Nerang where local players from any club on the Gold Coast can get expert mentorship and a week of coaching from top Celtic coaching staff.

“Celtic are really looking forward to this relationship and they see this as their first tentative steps into Australia.”

Thanks to the success of Tom Rogic at the champions, the Hoops plan to continue raising its profile Down Under.

He was spotted early in his career with Central Coast Mariners after coming to attention playing with the Nike Academy.

The astute midfielder joined the Scottish champions in January 2013 for around £800,000 and agreed a new contract earlier this season.

Former Parkhead striker Mark Viduka, ex-Manchester United keeper Mark Bosnich – a target for Martin O’Neill during his days as Celtic boss – and Leeds United attacker Harry Kewall led the way on the Aussie conveyor belt of talent.

Brendan Rodgers’ side were linked earlier this month with Adelaide United’s Riley McGee, who is on the brink of the full international side.