Celtic land 'highly rated' figure from Hearts

The Premiership champions, who pipped the Jam Tarts to the title on the final day of the 2025/26 campaign, announced on Sunday evening that Grant has joined them from the Tynecastle outfit and will form part of manager Martin O’Neill’s backroom team.

A statement on the Celtic website read: “The club has been working on developing it's football backroom team in recent weeks and we are now also pleased to confirm that Ross Grant will be joining Martin O'Neill's coaching staff, with Ross having particular focus on set piece analysis and coaching.

“Ross joins the Premiership Champions from Heart of Midlothian, where he was a hugely important part of their coaching team last season. Holding a UEFA ‘A’ Licence, he also previously worked with Dundee United for four years and has spent the last year with Hearts.

“A lifelong Celtic supporter, Ross has valuable experience in set piece analysis, coaching and player development.”

Hearts were one of the most potent teams from set pieces with Grant, who joined last summer from Dundee United, and O’Neill said on the appointment: "I am really pleased to welcome Ross to our backroom staff, I know he is a highly rated coach and look forward to working with him."

Grant’s arrival strengthens O’Neill coaching set-up after it was confirmed earlier this week that fresh contracts had been agreed with assistants Shaun Maloney, Mark Fotheringham and Stephen McManus.

A brief statement from Hearts on Grant’s departure read: “We can confirm that Ross Grant has departed to take up a position at Celtic.

“The club thanks Ross for his contributions during his stint at Tynecastle.”