Published Thursday, 09 February 2012
Stephen Robinson has been named the new NI under-21 coach. (© Spike Hill/Irish FA)
Robinson was previously assistant manager of the Under-19 team before his new role was revealed by the IFA on Thursday.
The 37-year-old, who won seven senior caps for his country, will manage the team for the remainder of the UEFA Euro 2013 qualifiers.
His first game in charge will be a Euro 2013 qualifier away to Macedonia on Wednesday 29 February, and Robinson is expected to name his backroom team in the coming days.
"I am extremely honoured to be given this position with the Under-21s. With so many good young players coming through our ranks here in Northern Ireland it is an exciting time to be involved in the set-up.
"I know from my time with the Under-19s the calibre of players we have and it is an advantage, of course, that I have already worked with some of the current Under-21 players in my previous role, so I know what they are capable of," he said.
As well as Northern Ireland, Robinson played for Bournemouth and Luton Town. Robinson will continue in his role as the Irish FA's County Derry Excellence Coach.
Northern Ireland manager, Michael O'Neill added: "Stephen is an exciting young coach with plenty of ambition and drive to succeed.
"He has tremendous experience as a player and I have absolutely no doubt that he will use that experience and become a first class coach and manager.
"I feel he has the knowledge of the young players in this country and for me, he was an obvious choice to be the Under-21 manager."