Hearts have confirmed the appointment of former Celtic academy coach John McLaughlan.

The experienced trainer has been working as part of the Parkhead setup since 2005. 

He has coached the under- 17s, under-19s and led the intermediate academy during a 17-year spell at Celtic Park.

But the Jambos prised him away to work alongside sporting director Joe Savage’s football department at the club. A move the Hearts staffer describes as a coup.

Speaking to the Hearts club website about the appointment, Savage said: "I’m really happy that we’ve managed to John on board.

“He has a wealth of experience in the game here in Scotland and, crucially, he has specialised in youth development. It’s no secret that we’re focusing a lot on creating a pathway from youth level to the first team, and to have John here passing on his knowledge and mentoring our youth coaches is hugely exciting.

“To get someone in John who is so established in academy football to really believe in the vision we have set out, and for him to be the one to deliver it, is a definite coup for us.”