Shaun Maloney leaves Celtic for permanent Belgium role

Shaun Maloney has left Celtic to take up a permanent role within the Belgium national team.

The Daily Record report that the former Wigan and Celtic star has been offered the chance to take a full-time role with the Belgium squad.

Maloney has worked closely with his club former boss Roberto Martinez and ex-Arsenal striker Thierry Henry.

He had been sharing his time around between both Belgium and Celtic, working with the Hoops’ reserve team behind the scenes.

Maloney is very highly thought of by Martinez and he has never hidden his intention to bring him into his set-up on a full-time basis.

The former Scottish international, who came through the ranks at the club, is also a well-respected figure at Celtic and first-team boss Brendan Rodgers has paid tribute to him following his exit.

I was delighted when Shaun secured this fantastic international opportunity and fully understand the full-time demands of this role. We appreciate and respect his decision to move on.