MARTIN O’NEILL has welcomed new Bhoy Ross Grant to his backroom team as he puts together the Celtic jigsaw.
Shaun Maloney, Mark Fotheringham and Stephen McManus put an end to speculation on Friday when they penned new contracts as the champions prepare for the new season.
Now specialist setpiece coach Grant has arrived after much success at Hearts last term.
The Edinburgh side, who led the Premiership for eight months before being pipped by the champions in a last-day 3-1 loss at Parkhead, claimed a remarkable 23 goals from set-plays during the campaign.
Derek McInnes, now in charge at Ibrox, of course, acknowledged Grant as his “best signing so far” after luring him from Dundee United last summer.
A Hoops statement read: “The club has been working on developing its football backroom team in recent weeks and we are now also pleased to confirm that Ross Grant will be joining Martin O’Neill’s coaching staff, with Ross having particular focus on set piece analysis and coaching.
“Ross joins the Premiership champions from Heart of Midlothian, where he was a hugely important part of their coaching team last season.
“Holding a UEFA ‘A’ Licence, he also previously worked with Dundee United for four years and has spent the last year with Hearts.
“A lifelong Celtic supporter, Ross has valuable experience in set-piece analysis, coaching and player development.”
Grant previously worked alongside former Scotland and Hearts set-piece guru Austin MacPhee, now at Aston Villa, and could fill the position vacated by Gavin Strachan, who joined West Brom last week.
