LONG-SERVING Celtic finance director Eric Riley has resigned, the club announced last night.

Riley, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and prostate cancer in 2011 had held the post for 21 years.He has been appointed a non-executive director to help with a smooth transition for his successor.

Parkhead chairman Ian Bankier was fulsome in his praise for his fellow Parkhead board colleague.

He said: "We would like to thank Eric for his huge commitment to the Company as financial director.

"Eric has served Celtic with distinction for over 21 years and will continue to do so until his retirement from the Company.

"During his time here, he has played a vital role in the development and growth of the Company and has also made a very meaningful and unstinting contribution to the successful promotion of the game in Scotland.

"We are grateful that Eric has agreed to stay on the board until the end of the financial year.

"The Company and the new financial director will greatly benefit from his knowledge and experience during this period."

Meanwhile, Celtic right-back Darnell Fisher has joined St Johnstone on loan for the rest of the season.

The 21-year-old saw summer signing Saidy Janko start in defence in place of the injured Mikael Lustig when Celtic made nine changes against Dundee United on Saturday, while Efe Ambrose is another option for the full-back spot.

The Reading-born defender will have to wait for his debut, though, as Saints take on Celtic at Parkhead on Saturday.

Fisher will also face competition at McDiarmid Park with Dave Mackay and Joe Shaughnessy both favouring the position.

Fisher has made 21 appearances for Celtic, including 11 starts, making his debut in October 2013.

A Celtic statement read: "Everyone at Celtic wishes Darnell all the best for the season ahead with St Johnstone."