Former Carlisle United goalkeeper Keiren Westwood has landed a new coaching role.

The ex-Blues star has announced that he has been appointed head of goalkeeping at Welsh club The New Saints.

Westwood, 40, links up with a side who are second in the Welsh Premier having won the title in the last three seasons.

The club are also in European competition this season with action in the Europa Conference League.

Westwood said he was delighted to take early steps into coaching with TNS.

Writing on Instagram, he said: "I’m delighted to share that I have taken my first steps on my coaching journey by joining @tnsfc as the Head of Goalkeeping! 🥅⚽️🧤

"Since the start of November, I’ve been enjoying every moment of this role.

"Passing on my knowledge and experience to our talented keepers has been incredibly fulfilling.

"A huge thank you to the manager and all the staff for their amazing support. I’m truly grateful for this opportunity to be part of the team and to gain experience coaching in the Europa Conference League! 🙌

"Here’s to new beginnings and exciting challenges ahead! 💪✨ big thanks to my mate Matt @bv_talent_management__ for sorting this out 🤝🏻"

Westwood's club ,managed by Craig Harrison, are in European action tomorrow when they face Swedish side Djurgården.

Their squad includes two players with Carlisle connections in former Blues loan midfielder Danny Redmond and ex-United youth defender Jordan Marshall.

Westwood is widely regarded as one of United's all-time top keepers after a superb spell at the club from 2004 to 2008.

He made 153 appearances for the Cumbrians as they rose from the Conference to League One.

The former Manchester City trainee went on to play for Coventry City, Sunderland, Sheffield Wednesday and QPR, also having a spell with Crewe Alexandra last season.

In recent times Westwood has also established his own goalkeeper coaching school, the Keiren Westwood Goalkeeper Academy, based at Cheadle Town Football Club.