Ange Postecoglou has moved to explain his decision to reshuffle his backroom team and move Stephen McManus to coach the Celtic B Team.

The Aussie coach wants to see a more substantial link between his elite squad and the youths.

It's felt that, after a year of working cheek to jowl with the title-winning coach, McManus is the man to provide a better understanding of the Postecoglou philosophy to younger talent.

Former Liverpool star and Australia international Harry Kewell will come in as a coach to fill the void.

The 43-year-old worked with Watford under-23s before management spells with Crawley Town, Notts County, Oldham Athletic and Barnet.

Postecoglou explained: “I was keen to restructure our coaching set up, a critical part of this was having a close link between the first team and B Team coaching structures - and Stephen’s role will also be hugely important for us as we look to get that conveyer belt of talent going between the B Team, directly up to the first team.  

“The B Team will again compete in the Lowland League, something which will be a crucial development opportunity for our young players as they aim to progress and advance further. I wanted a really strong connection to the development of our B Team and Stephen, with his knowledge of our current first-team philosophy and demands will be ideal in this role.”

On Kewell's appointment, Postecoglou added: “I am really pleased that Harry has agreed to join my staff. He knows the game inside out at the highest level and wants to play football the way myself and my team see it. I know he is hugely excited about joining Celtic, he is well aware of the scale of the club, what our ambitions are and I know he will make a really positive difference to my team.