Jim Magilton has been named as the new head coach of the Northern Ireland U21 team.

The Irish Football Association has appointed the 46-year old as manager with a coaching staff consisting of former fellow Northern Ireland internationals.

Ex-Blackburn Rovers and Birmingham City midfielder Damien Johnson and former Manchester City man Kevin Horlock will join Magilton with former Nottingham Forest and Wales goalkeeper Mark Crossley in the U21 setup.

Former Ipswich Town, QPR and Melbourne Victory boss Magilton said: "I was in charge of the Under-21s at the end of the last campaign and am excited by the prospect of working with this group over the next two years.

"I hope that with this backroom team on board together we can play a role in helping some of these players make the step up to the senior international side."