BRIAN McDermott will be forced to search for another first-team coach after Chris Davies completed his move to Celtic last night.

Ex-Royals youth team player Davies has linked up with new Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers having previously worked with the former Reading manager at Swansea and Liverpool.

The move will further disrupt McDermott’s backroom following the departure of director of football, Nick Hammond, to West Brom.

McDermott also saw assistant manager Terry Burton leave the club in December, just a fortnight after arriving.

Davies, 31, stepped in during January but he has now been tempted north of the border.

Davies has a close relationship with Rodgers, as the former Wales youth international played under the Northern Irishman when he was as coach of Reading's Academy.

However, injury curtailed Davies' playing career at the age of 19 and he wasting little time in converting to a coach.

Rodgers told the Celtic website: "I am delighted to bring Chris to Celtic, he is a magnificent coach and someone I know will make a hugely positive contribution to the club.

"He is ready and prepared for the challenge at Celtic and I know that Chris, like myself, can't wait to get going next season.

"He has worked with me previously, he is someone I know and trust and he will be a great addition to my team and to the club.”

Davies added: "Celtic is huge club with such a special place in world football. It is a great honour and a proud moment for me to be named assistant manager.

"I saw the scenes at Celtic Park on Monday and there are not many clubs or fans in the world who could have put on such a show.

"We know what Celtic fans bring to the club and we want to reward our fans every week with entertaining football that gets results.”

He added: “"I have worked with Brendan over a number of years, as a player and a coach, and it will be fantastic to team up with him again. I know all about his affection for Celtic and his appetite for taking on this great job.”

McDermott is likely to name a replacement for Davies before the start of pre-season training in July.

Former promotion-winning captain Graeme Murty and ex-Royals assistant, Kevin Dillon, could be in the frame.

A statement on the Reading website said: "Everyone at the club would like to thank Chris for his hard work throughout the second half of last season and wish him every success in his future career."