Gareth Southgate has been confirmed as the Football Association's head of elite development.

Southgate has been out of the game since being sacked as Middlesbrough manager in October 2009.

The 40-year-old will work alongside Sir Trevor Brooking on developing and implementing recommendations from the FA youth development review.

"Gareth has a wealth of experience as a player. He is also a very high-calibre individual," said Brooking.

The key objective of the review is to bring through better players and coaches to aid the England national team.

Southgate will also be responsible from maintaining closer contact with the Premier League and Football League, and play an active role in the development of the new FA coaching centre at St George's Park in Burton.

"He is a fully qualified pro-licence coach, who has recently retired as a player and managed in the Premier League," added Brooking.

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"This gives him a genuine understanding of the various challenges facing us.

"Gareth will work directly with me, Ray Clemence, Stuart Pearce and all our development team coaches. He will also work closely with general secretary Alex Horne, Adrian Bevington and our FA learning staff."

The former Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and England defender will be allowed to continue in his role as an expert for ITV Sport.

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