LEE CARSLEY IS joining the coaching staff of England’s U21s.
The former Ireland international will act as assistant to manager Aidy Boothroyd on a part-time basis while balancing the job with his position as Birmingham City’s Head of Professional Development.
Highly-rated as a coach, 43-year-old Carsley has previously worked at Coventry City, Sheffield United, Brentford, Manchester City and with the England U19s.
During his playing days, the no-nonsense midfielder enjoyed spells with Derby County, Blacburn Rovers, Coventry City and Birmingham City — earning 40 caps for Ireland along the way.
“I know the staff from working there last time,” Carsley told Birmingham’s website. “It was a big wrench to leave the FA, but having the chance to work at Manchester City I felt at the time was a big draw.
“The fact that I can now coincide doing the 23s at Birmingham with a part-time role at the FA with the England U21s is fantastic.
I’m extremely grateful that the FA asked the club and felt I was worth getting back and I’m equally grateful that Birmingham allowed me to take up the opportunity.
“I think it’s a bit of a feather in Birmingham’s cap, too, that there’s a coach close to the England squads who is working at the club.”
He added: “This (appointment) gives me a better idea of the standard of players out there. Obviously we are trying to produce Premier League/Championship players ourselves. And to see what the best look like gives me a real gauge on what more we need to do with our players.
“A lot of the England team is the team I worked with when I was last there, with the U19s, so it will be good to see a lot of old faces and the way some of them have progressed in the last year-and-a-half is outstanding.
“I am really fortunate to be given this chance and I appreciate that the FA wanted me back.”
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