GLENN Loovens has pledged to help his former club Celtic land signings from across Europe - in his new role as a talent scout.

Loovens, who played for the Parkhead club between 2008 and 2012, retired last year at the age of 35 following a final spell with English League One club Sunderland.

The former Netherlands centre half is now planning to get into recruitment and has admitted he will be happy to recommend promising players to the Scottish champions in future.

“I had another year on my contract with Sunderland, but after pre-season last summer we both agreed it was enough,” he said. “I retired from the game. It has been good, but it was time. I was ready to call it a day.

“I don’t miss playing so much, but I do miss being involved in something. But that will come in time when I move on to what I do next.

“For the first few months after I retired I just wanted to give my body and my mind some rest and figure out what I am going to do next. Now I have had that time off I am looking forward to my next challenge in football.”

Lovens continued: “I tried a bit of coaching last year and the year before. I have done a few of my badges. But it probably isn’t for me.

“I am planning on working in the scouting and recruitment side of the game. I have played professional football for 18 or 19 years so I have certainly got contacts.

“I am currently based in Belgium, where my wife is from, near Genk. I will be happy to let Celtic know about the availability of any good players I come across.”