Former Aston Villa and Middlesbrough defender Ugo Ehiogu has been appointed as Tottenham Hotspur’s new Under-21s coach.

The 41-year-old former centre-back had been coaching within the club’s academy structure on a part-time basis but will now step up to lead the Under-21 side.

Ehiogu, who won four England caps between 1996 and 2002, will be assisted by former Spurs academy player, Matthew Wells.

Born in Homerton, Ehiogu retired from football in 2012 following a short spell with Wembley FC after agreeing to play in the club’s FA Cup matches, along with a number of other high-profile ex-professionals.

The appointment of Ehiogu as the Under-21 coach follows the news Ledley King has taken up a coaching role with the club’s Under-18 side.