Celtic have announced that John Park has left his role as head of football development at the club.

Park had spent almost a decade with the Scottish champions, moving to Parkhead from Hibernian in 2007.

However, he will now turn his attentions to new challenges, and Celtic were keen to pay tribute to their departing staff member.

"I thank John for his important contribution to the club and, on behalf of the board, give him our best wishes for the future," chairman Ian Bankier told the club's official website.

"The identification and development of players is a fundamental part of the club's strategy and John has served the club with distinction. The club has commenced its search to appoint a successor to build on John's work here."

Chief executive Peter Lawwell added: "John has played a key role in the identification of some fantastic Celtic players over the years, players who have entertained the Celtic support and have gone on to have great careers with Celtic and beyond.

"I would like to thank John for the excellent job he has done for the club over the past nine years. I have enjoyed working with John and I am sorry that he has decided to move on. I wish John every success for the future."

Park had been the youth academy director at Hibernian before his move to Celtic.