SWPL champions Celtic have signed defender Emma Lawton from Partick Thistle and forward Morgan Cross from Motherwell in a transfer deadline day double deal.

Both players have signed three-year deals with Elena Sadiku’s side.

Lawton makes the move to full-time football after a standout season last term, where she was named Thistle’s player of the year.

“Emma will be a big loss but as a club we won’t stand in her way of full-time football and achieving her dreams,” said Thistle women’s manager Brian Graham.

“She is a model professional and a role model already to so many girls and I’m sure she’ll continue to progress in the game and go on to even bigger and better things.”

Lawton rejoined Thistle last season, where she started her career as a 15-year-old, following spells at Manchester City and Motherwell.

Cross joined Motherwell last season and, despite injury issues, scored 10 times in 28 appearances – which earned her a call-up to the Scotland under-23 squad.