McDowall has done a good job with the reserves at Celtic Park

McDowall, 48, has been credited with producing much of the young talent that has emerged at the Parkhead club in recent years.

Celtic confirmed the former St Mirren player's departure, who will take up a first-team coaching role within the Ibrox club's new managerial team.

McDowall, who is due to work under Walter Smith, told the Daily Record he was looking forward to his new role.

"The big pull was the chance to work with guys like Walter Smith and Ally McCoist in a first-team environment," McDowall said.

"I'm an ambitious guy and I would have wanted to speak to Walter about this role regardless of my contractual situation at Celtic."

Smith is expected to be named Rangers manager later this week.

McDowall has seen his Celtic second string win five consecutive SPL reserve titles and has watched players such as Aiden McGeady, Shaun Maloney and Stephen McManus make the step up to the first team.

He is now expected to be in the Rangers dugout at Ibrox this weekend when they take on Dundee United with Ian Durrant stepping back down to coach the reserve side.

A Celtic spokesperson said: "Celtic Football Club can confirm that Kenny McDowall will be leaving his position as reserve team coach with immediate effect.

"The club thanks him for his contribution during his time at Celtic."