NO-GO HARKIN

FERGAL HARKIN will NOT be involved with Celtic in their backroom restructuring.

There had been doubts over the Irishman’s possible move to the Hoops in a director of football role, as CQN reportedyesterday.

It is understood Harkin held tentantive talks with the Parkhead hierarchy, but it has been decided not to pursue the appointment and the 44-year-old will be staying at Manchester City, according to the Irish Independent.

The current Football Partnerships and Pathways Manager at the Etihad club looks set to continue with the English champions.

Harkin had long-standing relationships with the Parkhead side, but was not offered a post in the forthcoming shake-up.

He was instrumental in bringing players such as Jason Denayer, John Guidetti and Patrick Roberts to the Hoops while Olivier Ntcham was another who took the route from Manchester to Glasgow in June 2017 when the French midfielder arrived in a £4.5million deal.