Leeds United can confirm that Scott Gardner has been appointed head coach of the Under-21s at the club, on a permanent basis.

The 35-year-old was placed in temporary charge in November, stepping up from his role with the Under-18s at Thorp Arch.

A former Academy graduate himself, Gardner has a number of years coaching experience with the Whites, having also played for the first team, as well as being capped at England youth level in his early career.

In his previous role leading the Under-18s, Gardner oversaw the development of a number of players, who have now progressed into the Under-21s set-up, meaning he has plenty of familiar faces to continue working with.

His long association with the Whites has seen him work with young talent throughout every age group, having first started coaching at Thorp Arch in 2012.

Gardner’s backroom staff will also be strengthened with the arrival of former England international, Stewart Downing. He has been appointed as assistant coach at Thorp Arch, joining Michal Pujdak and Chris Elliott on the coaching team.

The Under-21s are competing across a number of competitions this season, including Premier League 2, the Premier League International Cup, and the Premier League Cup.

They are next in action against PSV Under-21s at the LNER Community Stadium in York in the Premier League International Cup, on Thursday 25th January, in a 7pm kick-off.