Arsenal have named Adam Birchall as new Under-18s head coach following Jack Wilshere's move to Norwich.

Birchall has been acting as assistant to Wilshere for over two seasons, and now takes the top role ahead of facing the Canaries on Saturday.

A club statement read: "An experienced youth coach, Adam's long association with the club dates back to his days as a scholar in our academy in 2001/02, when he played alongside, among others, Justin Hoyte and Sebastian Larsson. He went on to enjoy a respected playing career, before rejoining Arsenal in July 2016 as Under-18s assistant coach."

Per Mertesacker, academy manager, said: "Adam has a wealth of experience at Arsenal, having worked at every phase of our Academy, most recently as our Under-17s head coach and Under-18s assistant coach. He is a highly-qualified and highly-skilled individual who will transition into his new role effortlessly.

"Having played for our Academy and coached here for almost 10 years, Adam is a key member of the Arsenal family. We are confident that Adam will lead this important age group in a forward-thinking, exciting and energetic way."