Watford have appointed former Liverpool and Leeds United winger Harry Kewell as coach of their newly-formed Under-21 side

The 36-year-old retired from playing last year, ending a career which saw the Sydney-born attacker play for 12 years in the Premier League for Leeds United and Liverpool. 

The Watford Observer were told at the start of this month that informal talks had taken place regarding Kewell joining the Hornets and that deal has now been finalised. 

Kewell will take charge of the Under-21 side which has been created as a result of Watford's successful application for Category Two Academy status in line with the Elite Player Development Plan (EPPP).

Watford’s Sporting Director Luke Dowling told the club's website: “We are delighted that Harry has agreed to join us as our new Under-21 Coach.

“Harry enjoyed an extremely successful career as a player, and he now has a proven track record when it comes to working with and nurturing gifted young footballers.

“His knowledge and experience will be of great benefit to the club’s youth setup as a whole, and the talented players we have within our Under-21 group.”

The Australian begins work next week and is likely to be at the Under-21's fixture at Maidenhead United next Tuesday.

After retiring last year following a spell with A-League side Melbourne Heart, Kewell set up a youth academy in his native Australia.

He spent eight years at Leeds, winning the PFA Young Player of the Year in 2000 and helping the Elland Road outfit to the Champions League semi-finals the following season.

Kewell moved to Liverpool in 2003 and spent five years at Anfield before a three-year stint in Turkey with Galatasaray followed.