FORMER Saints striker James Beattie has joined Swansea City's coaching staff.

The 37-year-old has been appointed as a first-team coach at the Welsh club, joining the backroom team of manager Garry Monk.

Beattie and Monk know each other well, having been teammates during their time at Saints.

The Swansea boss said: “James will come in as a first-team coach alongside Kristian O’Leary and Alan Curtis, but will be given specific responsibility to work on a technical level with our attacking players. 

"I’ve known James for a long time. He is intelligent, has a great knowledge of the game from his experiences as a player, coach and manager; plus he thinks about the game in the same way as myself.

"He has some bright ideas and, despite already having a fantastic knowledge of the game, he is still looking to learn at every opportunity.

"I’m constantly trying to create and improve all areas of the first team environment with young, talented and up-and-coming staff. That’s not just the playing squad, but the backroom staff as well.

"James fits that criteria perfectly and with the experience he’s gained over the years, I’m sure the players will benefit greatly by tapping into his knowledge." 

Former England striker Beattie had previously been in charge at Accrington Stanley, but left the League Two club in September last year.