HOOPS COUP
Celtic make move for South American scout two months after Mark Lawwell’s exit from recruitment department announced
He adds to a previous backroom appointment and there's already a target in sight
CELTIC'S transfer window has received a boost after the Hoops moved to strengthen their recruitment department.
They've made an important appointment ahead of the summer player trading kick-off - and two months since recruitment chief Mark Lawwell and first-team scout Joe Dudgeon announced they were leaving.
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The duo have been on gardening leave since it was confirmed they'd be moving on to 'pursue other opportunities' at the start of March.
That's left the key behind-the-scenes department needing re-enforcement and as part of a wider revamp, the club has made a timely appointment ahead of a busy summer window.
Among top priorities will be to source a new No1 goalkeeper for Brendan Rodgers with Joe Hart hanging up his gloves and retiring.
Back-up Benjamin Siegrist is also expected to move on leaving Scott Bain the most senior keeper at the club.
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But plans are already afoot and will be helped by former South American scout Mark Cooper.
He has been brought back to Lennoxtown from a spell across the Atlantic focusing on South America and the MLS.
The Hoops have had mixed success from these markets - most recently bringing Alistair Johnston from Montreal and Alexandro Bernabei from Lanus in Argentina.
The Daily Mail reports the new man has been tasked with improving the standard of first-team recruitment but comes highly rated by boss Rodgers.
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Previous head of scouting Lawwell - son of chairman Peter - held a similar role in Asia with the City Group and arrived highly recommended by then boss Ange Postecoglou.
His remit included finding players within a 19 to 23 age bracket with international experience to add to the squad.
Celtic star Alistair Johnston and Wag teach their dog to swim
One reported target who would fit part of that criteria - and supplement the shrinking goalkeeper options - is Motherwell stopper Liam Kelly.
He is 28, has an international cap but also lists fierce rivals RANGERS among his former clubs.
The scouting department is not the only area being changed in the Hoops' backroom reshuffle.
Former defender and B team boss Darren O'Dea was appointed to a new Professional Player Pathway Manager position last month and tasked with developing the progress of young players at Lennoxtown and bridging the gap between Academy, B Team and top side.
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