Aston Villa have appointed George Boateng as their U-23 head coach ahead of the upcoming season.
After a year spent with the club’s Under-18s, Boateng will work alongside Mark Delaney as Professional Development Coach.
The Ghanaian has seen an instant rise in his coaching career after an impressive campaign with the U-18's, despite a coronavirus disrupted season.
"The role is fantastic,” he told Aston Villa TV.
"For me, I’m now making a step-up to working with players who are close to the first team, closer than the Under-18s.
"We are at the top end of the Academy, where players have to make the transition from being a youth player to a senior player. I want to help get them a career in the game."
Boateng and Delaney have made a combined 317 appearances for Villa and they both know what it takes to carve out successful playing careers at the club.
George Boateng enjoyed a stellar career in England where he played for Aston Villa, Middlesborough and Hull City.