Virals: Celtic Approach Shaun Maloney for Coaching Role

Sports journalist Keith Jackson has issued the latest instalment in the Celtic staff saga, with former Scotland international Shaun Maloney thrown into the mix as a potential new addition at Parkhead.

Currently working as a coach for the Belgium men’s national team, the reporter has claimed [via @everythingceltic] that outgoing Celtic executive Peter Lawwell has approached the Malaysia-born ex-professional over a coaching role.

Having ‘held discussions’, the executive wants Maloney to be part of a wider backroom reconfiguration in Paradise this summer – though Maloney is said to be fully focused on his current role with Belgium.

It is understood by the Daily Record that Maloney is being eyed up for an integral strategic role as part of a wider restructuring process.

The former striker has experience coaching with Celtic, working at one point with the Bhoys’ under-20s squad.

When asked back in February as to where he stands with regards to a Celtic job, Maloney claimed:

“I have to show respect to the federation who have shown massive faith in me.

“From a sporting point of view, I hope Celtic, whatever decision they make, make it quickly because these decisions have to be made.

“They can definitely fight for the title again next year and the big thing they have to do is get that connection with the support again because if that’s not here, then they’re not going to be able to fight.”

Speaking broadly on the wider restructuring job at Celtic, Maloney commented in April:

“It’s difficult to judge from the outside but I think with the new chief executive coming in, and that being brought forward, it feels that they are trying to accelerate the process.

“They have to really because next season’s planning should already be done.

“The technical director, the coach, these things are linked. The director has to be linked with whoever the head coach is.

“I think the process has to begin pretty quickly.”

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With a CV closely associated to both Celtic and to FIFA’s highest-ranked men’s national team, Maloney looks to be a coach on the ascendency.

It is too premature to suggest he has an outright shot at the managerial vacancy: that job looks firmly close to Ange Postecoglou.

However, the board are clearly working hard to appoint ambitious coaches with the hope that they can lay the groundwork for continued success in Parkhead.

If Maloney arrives at Celtic, expect it to be after the Euros.