Celtic head of recruitment Mark Lawwell has resigned from his Parkhead post.

The talent-spotter has stepped down from his high-ranking position at the club and Lawwell - who joined Celtic in 2022 - will be placed on gardening leave until the end of the season.

The son of Celtic chairman, Peter, he left the City Group to take up the post of head of first team scouting and recruitment at Celtic. But he is now set to pursue other challenges in football.

Lead first team scout Joe Dudgeon has also resigned from his position after joining the club last year.

A Celtic club statement confirmed: "Celtic Football Club today announced that Mark Lawwell, Head of First Team Scouting and Recruitment, and Joe Dudgeon, Lead First Team Scout, have resigned from their positions and are leaving the Club to pursue fresh challenges.  

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"Mark was recruited to the Club by then manager, Ange Postecoglou, in May 2022 from his position as Head of CFG Scouting and Recruitment, within City Football Group’s global structure.  

"Joe joined from City Football Group in November 2022. Mark and Joe will be on a period of gardening leave."

Manager Brendan Rodgers said:  “As part of the Club’s recruitment team, Mark and Joe have worked tirelessly to bring success to Celtic, and I would like to wish them both the very best for the future.”

And chief executive Michael Nicholson added: “Everyone at Celtic thanks Mark and Joe for their contribution and dedication to the club, and we wish them both every success moving forward.”