LIAM ROSENIOR has opted to remain with Brighton rather than join Jonathan Woodgate’s new-look coaching team at Middlesbrough.

Woodgate is set to be officially named as Boro’s new head coach before the weekend, with Steve Gibson having settled on the former skipper as the ideal man to replace Tony Pulis.

Woodgate is currently putting the final touches to his coaching set-up, but Rosenior is understood to have informed Boro officials that he will not be moving to the North-East.

The 34-year-old is currently employed as the Under-23s coach at Brighton, having recently completed his UEFA Pro Licence qualifications.

Having been forced to end his playing career last summer because of injury, Rosenior has rapidly developed a reputation as a highly-rated coach.

He was approached by Boro officials looking to assemble a new coaching set-up at Rockliffe Park, but sources on the south coast claim he has opted to remain at Brighton to work with the Seagulls’ recently-appointed head coach, Graham Potter.

Boro remain hopeful that Robbie Keane will join Woodgate in the role of assistant manager, with the Irishman having been offered the position earlier this week.

Keane is pondering whether to combine the role with his current duties as Mick McCarthy’s assistant with the Republic of Ireland, and is expected to decide on his next move in the next 24 hours.

Leo Percovich is set to make an emotional return to Teesside, having spent the last couple of years working on the coaching team of Brazilian club Fluminense, while another former Boro employee, Steve Round, is also being considered for a backroom position.