PETER Lawwell, the Celtic chief executive, last night expressed confidence the Parkhead club will continue to enjoy success in the transfer market after appointing Lee Congerton as their new head of recruitment.

Congerton, a former head of scouting at Chelsea, technical director at Hamburg and sporting director at Sunderland, has been brought in to oversee player acquisitions at the Scottish champions.

The one-time semi-professional footballer from Wales effectively replaces John Park, who left his position as head of football development at the Glasgow club after nine years back in October.

Read more: Patrick Roberts is a favourite of the Celtic fans but they haven't seen enough of him

Park is widely credited as being the man who brought Virgil van Dijk and Victor Wanyama to Scotland – players who Celtic were able to sell for multi-million pound transfer fees after getting years of exceptional service out of.

The substantial profits which Celtic have made on those signings and others in the last 10 years have enabled them to consistently break even while enjoying significant on-field success both domestically and in Europe.

Lawwell believes the addition of Congerton, who will have responsibility for Celtic’s international scouting network, to the football department will ensure that their impressive track record in that important area continues.

“Player recruitment is such a crucial function of the club and we are delighted to welcome Lee to Celtic to oversee this area,” he told the official Celtic website. “We are always looking to develop further, to drive the club forward and ensure that we continue our success in this area and deliver the best players we can to our supporters.

“Given the importance of this appointment we have gone through a thorough process and taken time to identify the right person. Lee was the outstanding candidate for this position and we are sure he will deliver real impact and benefit to the club.”

Read more: Patrick Roberts is a favourite of the Celtic fans but they haven't seen enough of him

Brendan Rodgers, the Celtic manager, welcomed the arrival of Congerton, who is the holder of a UEFA Pro Licence, the highest level of managerial qualification, and has held coaching positions with Liverpool and the Welsh FA in the past, at Parkhead.

“It is great news that we have been able to bring someone of Lee's calibre to Celtic,” he said. “He brings knowledge, experience and excellence to such an important area of our work and I know he will add real value to the club. We will always strive to be the best in everything we do and in Lee, we have brought the best to Celtic."

Congerton believes his experience of working with Rodgers during his time in charge at Anfield will prove beneficial to him in his new position.

"I am delighted to be joining a club of Celtic's stature,” he said. “It is a huge honour and I can't wait to get started in making my contribution to such a fantastic institution.

Read more: Patrick Roberts is a favourite of the Celtic fans but they haven't seen enough of him

“In recent years there has been some great work done at the club in the recruitment and development of some high-quality playing talent. I am really looking forward to adding my experience in this area and ensuring that we continue this high level of achievement.

"I know Brendan well, I know how he works and the quality he aims for. I am really looking forward to working with him again and Peter to ensure that we continue to bring the very best to Celtic and give our fans players and a team they will be proud of.”