DIARMUID O'Carroll has been described by Steve Harper as an "exceptional coach" after joining Newcastle United as the new boss of the Under-21s.

The 37-year-old arrives from St Mirren, where he was assistant manager to Stephen Robinson.

Sporting director Paul Mitchell says O'Carroll is a "great fit" for what is a crucial role at United.

O'Carroll started his coaching career in women's football before taking on a role in the United States. He then headed to Scotland to coach Motherwell Under-18s before joining Robinson as an assistant at Morecambe and then St Mirren.

He is also a senior coach for Northern Ireland, a role he will continue in while at Newcastle.

O'Carroll said: "I'm really excited to come in. It's a role I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into.

"The club speaks for itself in terms of the size, stature and fanbase. It's a really exciting time now as well with the ownership and everything that is planned going forward.

"The opportunity to come in is something I would've never expected, but when it come across my desk, it was a really exciting one and a quick process."

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O'Carroll will initially be assisted by Jack Ross, head of coach development, who has been in interim charge of the Under-21s alongside Neil Winskill.

Winskill will now move into a new position as the academy's head of technical development.

Steve Harper, Newcastle's academy director, said: I’m delighted Diarmuid has accepted the opportunity to become lead coach of Newcastle United Under-21s.

“He is a young, progressive and ambitious coach, and will play a key role in supporting our talent pathway into the first team.

“I’d also like to thank Jack Ross, Neil Winskill and everyone connected with the Under-21s for their hard work and collaborative approach while we recruited into this position.

“We have gone through a rigorous process, and in Diarmuid, we have an exceptional coach and person joining us. I’d like to welcome him to the Newcastle United family.”

Mitchell said: “Diarmuid is a very highly regarded coach and is a great fit for the profile we have been looking to recruit.

“He has amassed a wealth of experience during the formative years of his coaching career, working across youth, men’s and women’s club football and at international level.

“The academy is a cornerstone of our sporting strategy, and Diarmuid’s role is a crucial one in preparing players for the next significant step in their development journeys.

“The academy has produced exceptional players over recent years, and we look forward to supporting Steve Harper, Diarmuid and our academy team in continuing to build on that excellent record.”