Ireland Under-21 manager Stephen Kenny says Keith Andrews has "a lot to offer" to his backroom team.

The former Ireland, Blackburn Rovers and MK Dons midfielder joins the Under-21 setup as an assistant coach alongside Jim Crawford.

Ex-Newcastle, Bohemians and Shelbourne player, Crawford, steps up from the role of Ireland Under-18s head coach.

Kenny explained why he has brought Andrews and Crawford on board at his training camp squad announcement.

Dynamic

"I'm delighted with the overall backroom team. You know, I'm quite excited by it," said the former Dundalk manager.

"Obviously, Keith Andrews and Jim Crawford, they're very dynamic people - good positive people. I've known Jim a while and he's had great experience at international coaching. He went through the age groups and also been the manager of the 18s team in the last couple of years.

"Keith has been coaching as well with MK Dons and also with the Under-17, Under-18 international teams. He's someone that has an awful lot to offer, I feel. Both of them, I feel, have a lot to offer and we will need that throughout the campaign.

"A minimum of four games in Toulon over 14 days, so you need two coaches with you for that period for sure. Over the campaign, we'll be busy."

Kenny's squad for the February training camp is home-based, featuring 20 players from the League of Ireland. He also announced that the team will play in the 2019 Toulon Tournament in June.

You can watch the full press conference above via YouTube.

Unfortunately this does mean that The Keith Andrews Show has been stored away in bubble wrap until some point in the (very distant...) future.

We’ll miss his wisdom and his donuts. 🍩 https://t.co/S0hoz5Dogf

— Off The Ball (@offtheball) January 24, 2019