SHAUN Maloney has left Celtic to concentrate on his coaching role with the Belgian national team.

The fan favourite, who enjoyed two spells as a player at the club, was reserve team coach but will now work full-time with Roberto Martinez and a Belgium squad which finished third at the World Cup.

Maloney said: “I have had a brilliant time at Celtic in this coaching role, the club is such a great institution with great people and the best supporters of all. Celtic will always be my club and I wish everyone connected to the club every success for the future.

"I would like to thank Brendan and Peter (Lawwell) for giving me this great opportunity at Celtic, it is one I have enjoyed immensely. The past year has been a great opportunity for me to work with the young players at the club and it has been a role I have given everything to.”

Brendan Rodgers paid a warm tribute to Maloney who played over 200 games for Celtic, winning 13 medals.

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

"He has done a fantastic job already at Celtic, working alongside Tommy McIntyre and made a real contribution to the club. I am sure he will go on and do the very same with the BelgianNational Team, working with great people in Roberto Martinez and Thierry Henry.

"Everyone at Celtic wishes Shaun the very best for the future."