CELTIC chairman Ian Bankier has paid tribute to Brian Duffy after he officially stepped down from his position as a director on the Parkhead board yesterday.

Duffy has been appointed as the chief executive officer of Aurum Holdings, the owners of Mappin & Webb, Watches of Switzerland and Goldsmiths Jewellers, and has resigned from his role at Parkhead to concentrate on his new position.

And Hoops chairmain Bankier wished himm all the best on his new role, saying: "We would like to thank Brian for his excellent contribution to the company over the last four years.

"We fully respect the reason for his resignation and wish him all the very best with his new venture."

Duffy added: "I have been proud to have been a director of the company, and wish Celtic Football Club and the new management team every future success."