New Celtic first-team coach Gavin Strachan insists he could not have turned down the offer to join Neil Lennon's coaching staff at Parkhead after an offer was made.

Strachan - son of former Hoops boss Gordon - was poached by Celts from his role as assistant manager to Darren Ferguson at Peterborough in EFL League One. The 41-year-old has spent the past 17 months in the position, but admits Celtic was too good a prospect to turn down.

He replaces Damien Duff in the role after the Irishman left Glasgow to join the Republic of Ireland setup alongside new manager Stephen Kenny. "It is a huge honour to be appointed to this position with Celtic," Strachan told the club website. "Such a giant of a club and a real iconic footballing institution - this really is an opportunity I could simply not turn down. I am hugely excited about getting started with Neil, John and the players as we get ready for the challenges ahead.

“Neil and John have been massive figures in the club’s 9 in-a-row journey and it will be fantastic to be part of such a great management and coaching team. The club has had a phenomenal run of success in recent years and I know everyone at Celtic and our supporters will be doing all we can, together, to keep this run going.

“I know we are looking ahead to a really exciting season and for me personally, it is a great time to join this brilliant club. I will work my hardest every day to bring success to the club."