Former keeper Michael McGovern joins Celtic’s backroom staff | OneFootball

Celtic this week strengthened their backroom staff with the addition of former goalkeeper Michael McGovern…

Anthony Stokes of Celtic scores the second past Michael McGovern the Falkirk goalkeeper goal during the Scottish League Cup Semi Final match between Falkirk and Celtic at Hampden Park on January 29, 2012. (Photo by Tom Shaw/Getty Images)

McGovern – who represented Northern Ireland at international level – originally came through the club’s youth system but did not make a senior appearance during his lengthy spell with the Hoops.

At 42, he now makes a return to Celtic after working as goalkeeping coach with Queen’s Park in the Scottish Championship.

According to a report in The Scottish Sun, McGovern will be involved with both the club’s B team and senior squad, linking up again with manager Martin O’Neill, whom he previously worked under during his playing days.

During his early career, McGovern gained experience through loan moves to Stranraer and St Johnstone before departing Celtic in 2008 for Dundee United, where first-team opportunities proved limited.

A subsequent move to Ross County provided him with regular football in the Scottish First Division, helping establish himself at senior level. He later enjoyed consistent game time with Falkirk and went on to spend three seasons at Hamilton Academical.

McGovern brought his playing career to a close after serving as a reserve goalkeeper with Norwich City and Hearts, with his final appearances coming during a loan spell at Livingston.

Meanwhile, Celtic’s Scottish Cup fifth-round tie with Dundee has now been officially scheduled.

The Hoops sealed their place in the draw after a 2–0 victory over Auchinleck Talbot last weekend, with the pairing for the next round confirmed later that evening following the conclusion of matches at Rugby Park.

Steven Pressley is all smiles. Dundee v Celtic. 19 October 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Martin O’Neill’s side were matched with Dundee and will welcome Steven Pressley’s team to Celtic Park on Saturday, 7 February. The contest will be broadcast live on Premier Sports, with a 5.30pm kick-off time confirmed.

Celtic reached the showpiece final of the competition last season but narrowly missed out on lifting the trophy after losing on penalties to Aberdeen.

Conor Spence

All Books Now Half Price in the Celtic Star Books January Sale…

These books now available at at HALF PRICE in our January sale – click on image to order…

Order from Celtic Star Books HERE!

Please note that p&p is priced at £4.50 is only charged on ONE book so you can buy as many of our books as you like and the postage cost will remain the same. Why not expand your Celtic library today?

More Stories / Latest News

Former keeper Michael McGovern joins Celtic’s backroom staff

Jan 22 2026, 16:06

Bologna’s Lisbon Link – It could have been Red Flags at Estádio Nacional

Jan 22 2026, 15:23

Celtic confirm signing of 25-year-old striker Tomas Cvancara

Jan 22 2026, 14:04