Celtic have made a key appointment in a recruitment revamp, according to reports.

It's claimed the club have hired Mark Cooper ahead of the summer transfer window.

The talent spotter previously worked as a South American scout and then worked in a role within MLS.

However, according to the Daily Mail Cooper has joined Celtic in a full-time position.

It's thought the scout is highly rated by Brendan Rodgers and will be tasked with improving recruitment for the Celtic first team.

Cooper is expected to target transfer aged between 19 and 23 with international experience and falling within certain financial criteria requirements.

The new arrival in the Celtic scouting department comes after the exit of Mark Lawwell and Joe Dudgeon. The pair resigned from their respective posts of head of first team scouting and recruitment and lead first team scout.

Both Lawwell - son of chairman Peter Lawwell - and Dudgeon were placed on gardening leave.

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A Celtic club statement confirmed: "Celtic Football Club today announced that Mark Lawwell, Head of First Team Scouting and Recruitment, and Joe Dudgeon, Lead First Team Scout, have resigned from their positions and are leaving the Club to pursue fresh challenges.  

"Mark was recruited to the Club by then manager, Ange Postecoglou, in May 2022 from his position as Head of CFG Scouting and Recruitment, within City Football Group’s global structure.

"Joe joined from City Football Group in November 2022. Mark and Joe will be on a period of gardening leave."

Manager Brendan Rodgers said:  “As part of the Club’s recruitment team, Mark and Joe have worked tirelessly to bring success to Celtic, and I would like to wish them both the very best for the future.”

And chief executive Michael Nicholson added: “Everyone at Celtic thanks Mark and Joe for their contribution and dedication to the club, and we wish them both every success moving forward.”