Former Australia and Liverpool star Harry Kewell was appointed as the Under-21 coach of Premier League club Watford on Thursday.

Kewell retired last year after a short spell with Melbourne Heart and has returned to England for his first major coaching role at Watford, who won promotion to the top-flight last season.

The 36-year-old ex-Leeds and Galatasaray winger, who has established his own youth academy in Australia, will take care of Watford's Under-21 side in the Under-21 Professional Development League Two South.

Kewell, who won 56 caps for Australia and played in the 2010 World Cup, will bring a wealth of experience after winning the 2005 Champions League and 2006 FA Cup in his five-year spell at Liverpool and Watford's sporting director Luke Dowling is pleased to have him on board.

"We are delighted that Harry has agreed to join us as our new Under-21 coach," Dowling told Watford's website.

"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."