CELTIC manager Tommy Burns has paid the price for failing to halt Rangers' charge to a ninth consecutive Premier Division title by parting company with the club.

Burns has brought just one trophy to Parkhead in three years at the helm, and his position was further weakened by the shock Scottish Cup semifinal defeat to Falkirk last week.

Last night Celtic announced Burns has been released from his contract, which would have run out at the end of the season, and he is to leave the club immediately.

Celtic managing director Fergus McCann released a short statement after bringing to an end Burns's term in charge at the club he joined in July 1994.

McCann said in the statement: "It is with regret that I announce that Celtic has decided to release Tommy Burns from the remainder of his contract, which runs until July 13th, and will be honoured by the club.

"Tommy will be leaving immediately, but we intend to discuss with him our future plans and we hope he may be able to assist the club in a consultancy assignment as we make the transition to a new football management structure.

"The parting was very amicable and I want to thank Tommy for his efforts and wish him every success in his future career."

The timing of Burns' departure was unexpected as Celtic are due to play Hibernian at Easter Road tomorrow.

McCann confirmed that assistant manager Billy Stark will take charge of that game, and there is to be a further news conference at Celtic Park today.

. Waterford United yesterday lodged a protest with the FAI National League regarding the eligibility of striker Jeff McNamara, who scored twice in Dundalk's 3-0 win over Waterford in the first leg of the clubs' promotion/relegation playoff last Thursday night.