Ward to join Hayes as part of USA Olympics staff

Former Aston Villa manager Carla Ward is set to join Emma Hayes' United States staff at the Olympic Games in Paris.

Hayes left Chelsea after 12 years at the end of the Women's Super League season to become head coach of the US women's national team.

Ward stepped down from her role as Villa manager at the same time, having previously told BBC Sport she found it difficult to balance being a WSL manager and a mother.

The two English coaches formed a strong friendship during their time in the WSL and with Hayes set to lead the US in her first major tournament this summer, she hopes Ward's expertise will provide a boost to the group.

Ward has been given a flexible role covering a range of areas including performance analysis and opposition scouting.

The Olympic Games formally begins with the opening ceremony in Paris on Friday, 26 July, but the women's football tournament starts on Thursday.

The USA women are chasing a fifth goal medal. They drew 0-0 with Costa Rica in their final warm-up match last week and play Zambia in their opening group game of the tournament on Thursday (20:00 BST).