LIAM Henderson last night clinched a permanent move to Italian Serie B side Bari.

The 21-year-old, who came through the youth ranks at Celtic, spent time on loan at Hibernian and Rosenborg since breaking into the first team back in December 2013 as a 17-year-old.

A key player in former Celtic manager Neil Lennon’s Championship-winning season last year, Henderson also helped ex-Hoops defender Alan Stubbs’s Hibs to a first Scottish Cup triumph in 114 years in the 3-2 victory over Rangers at Hampden in 2016.

The move will see Henderson come under the tutelage of Bari boss Fabio Grosso, who scored the winning penalty for Italy in their 2006 World Cup final shoot-out victory over France.

And with Bari fourth in Serie B and pushing for promotion, the Scotland Under-21 internationalist could find himself up against the likes of Juventus, Inter and AC Milan next season should they win promotion.

The midfielder made fleeting impressions in Celtic sides since making his debut but struggled to hold down a permanent spot.

The Scot made 36 appearances for Celtic, scoring three goals.

He won a League Cup medal in 2015 after coming off the bench for Celtic during their 2-0 win over Dundee United at Hampden, and played his part in the club’s three most recent title triumphs.

A statement on the Celtic website praised Henderson’s efforts for the Hoops.

Celtic wrote: “Liam now takes up a new football challenge in Italy, and everyone at Celtic wishes him every success with Bari while also thanking him for his contribution to the club over the past few years.”