CELTIC'S reserves have lifted the league title for a record seventh consecutive season after beating Hibs 4-0 at Celtic Park.

The young Hoops, bolstered by a splattering of first-team names like Evander Sno, Jo Doumbe, Chris Killen and Darren O'Dea, held off stiff competition from St Mirren to hang on to a title that has been in the Parkhead boardroom for so long it's starting to look like a permanent fixture.

Willie McStay, who moved from overseeing the youth team to taking the reserves following the departure of Kenny McDowall to Rangers 16 months ago, looked on as Hoops chief executive Peter Lawwell presented the trophy after the victory.

The main challenge, however, for the bulk of the players isn't so much in claiming silverware at this level as it is about getting into the first team.

In recent years the likes of Shaun Maloney, Jamie Smith, Aiden McGeady and Stephen McManus have forced their way through, and that will always be the barometer of how successful any youth system is.

Meanwhile, former Celt Jackie McNamara has signed a two-year contract with Falkirk where he will be reunited with his former Parkhead team-mate John Hughes.

The 34-year-old ex-Hoops captain, whose contract with Aberdeen was terminated last month by mutual consent, passed a medical and will join his new club for pre-season training in July.

McNamara had hoped to extend his career by one more season and move into coaching, but has been persuaded by Hughes to concentrate solely on playing.

"It's a great move for me," said McNamara. "I'm happy to put my coaching ambitions on the back burner for the time being."