Former Liverpool defender Toure takes Celtic role

Kolo Toure has taken up a coaching role at Celtic. The 36-year-old has been handed the title of technical assistant, with the club stating he would be "supporting on all first-team coaching matters, as well as using his knowledge, experience and expertise to assist across the club's various youth levels".

The former Arsenal and Liverpool defender made 17 appearances for Celtic after being reunited with former Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers last summer, and had been hoping to extend his playing career.

Quoted on the club's official website, Toure said: "I couldn't be happier to be back at this great club.

"This is a new chapter in my career, a new beginning. The football is over now. I can officially say I am retired from playing and now I am fully concentrating on coaching.

"For me there is no big change in terms of what I will be doing. I have always been the kind of player who tries to help those around me.

"Now I will try to give advice, help the young players and just guide them and pass on all the experience I have acquired during my career."