Former Ireland winger Damien Duff has joined Celtic FC's academy as a coach.

In a move that was long mooted, the Dubliner will take on the role of Reserve Team Coach.

Ex-Celtic captain Stephen McManus has also joined the youth setup as an under-18s' Coach.

Duff (39) previously served as a coach in the Shamrock Rovers youth setup, coaching the Under-15s. He also worked as a TV pundit during that time.

Huge Respect

"I am absolutely delighted to join Celtic in this new role and be part of a club for which I have such huge respect," he told the Celtic FC website.

"It is a massive honour to be given this opportunity. I am looking forward to playing my part in developing our young players of the future.

"We will be aiming to do all we can to create a good environment for our young players, to promote positive, attacking football, to play the Celtic Way and make them ready for the challenges of first-team football.

"I can’t wait get started in my new role and do all I can to make a positive difference to some exciting players we already have at the club."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers added: "We are delighted to welcome Damien and Stephen to Celtic. Both men are real high-calibre individuals who have a huge knowledge of the game."

Brian Kerr, who managed Duff at senior and youth level for Ireland, had this to say on Virgin Media Sport back in November about the Celtic links:

Duff retired from Ireland duty in 2012, shortly after that year's European Championship. At club level, he represented Newcastle, Blackburn, Fulham and Chelsea among others.

 

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