SHAUN Maloney has ended his playing career to return to Celtic in a coaching role.

Celtic have announced the 34-year-old former Scotland international has taken up a role as a “development coach” with their under-20s side.

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes recently resigned himself to defeat in his pursuit of Maloney, who flagged up a fitness concern during summer signing talks.

Maloney made 14 appearances for Hull last season but turned down the chance to extend his contract with the team.

The former Aston Villa, Wigan and Chicago Fire midfielder started his career at Celtic Park before returning for a second spell in 2008 after 18 months in the midlands.

Maloney scored 52 goals in 215 appearances for Celtic and netted seven international goals in his 47 Scotland appearances and won the FA Cup with Wigan in 2013.

He will now join his old Parkhead team-mate John Kennedy on Brendan Rodgers’ back-room staff and the former Scotland defender reckons Maloney is just the man to inspire the next generation of Celtic heroes.