Northern Ireland have appointed former Ipswich Town player and manager Jim Magilton as the country’s Elite Performance Director.

The 44-year-old who enjoyed a successful seven-year stint as a player at Portman Road then went on to win 59 of his 156 games in charge of the Blues, between 2006 and 2009.

Northern Ireland are managed by former Newcastle midfielder Michael O’Neill but have been virtually eliminated from qualigying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and will be building towards Euro 2016.

Magilton won 52 caps for Northen Ireland as a player, scoring five goals.

“I am very pleased and indeed honoured to have been offered this opportunity to join the Irish Football Association as Elite Performance Director,” said Magilton.

“Player identification and development is a key part of the modern game and I am looking forward to getting started in my new role and to working with all the young players in Northern Ireland.

“We must work collectively and strategically to ensure we cultivate the most talented players – both boys and girls – at all age groups in Northern Ireland and I believe that by doing this we can create a talent pipeline which will help to build successful and sustainable international squads of the future.”