Aberdeen No 2 Tony Docherty joins Scotland coaching set-up

Aberdeen assistant manager Tony Docherty will join the Scotland set-up for the Canada and Slovenia games. Picture: Ross Parker/SNS

The national coach has been on the look out for an extra pair of hands to help prepare his side for the crucial World Cup qualifier with the Slovenians on Sunday 26 March. That follows the departure of ex-Hibs and Rangers coach Andy Watson, who has left to take up a role as technical director at the Al Habsi Football School in Oman.

Dons No 2 Docherty will now link-up with Strachan for the all-important Hampden clash and will also be in the Scots’ dugout for the warm-up fixture with the Canadians at Easter Road four days earlier.

Docherty started his coaching career with stints at Falkirk and Dundee United before linking up with  Pittodrie boss Derek McInnes during his spell in charge of  St Johnstone. Together the pair have helped to re-establish Aberdeen as a major force in Scottish football.

Strachan said: “Tony is well-respected within the game and we look forward to working alongside him for the forthcoming matches. I would like to thank Derek McInnes and Aberdeen for allowing Tony to come to work with the Scotland backroom staff for these next two games.”

Scotland sit second bottom of Group F with just four points from four games. Defeat against Slovenia will effectively kill off any lingering hopes of reaching Russia 2018.

Aberdeen, meanwhile, are facing a number of injury problems ahead of Sunday’s Scottish Cup quarter-final against Partick Thistle.

Mark Reynolds is facing surgery after going off at half-time in Tuesday’s defeat by Hamilton while Ryan Jack sustained an ankle injury at the SuperSeal Stadium. Jonny Hayes (hamstring) and Jayden Stockley (shoulder) missed the game through injury.

McInnes said: “Mark Reynolds was injured. He has been struggling a bit with a groin problem and we think it may have developed into a hernia so we think Mark will be out for about four weeks. And Ryan Jack, his injury it was down to the surface. It was his ankle. That is a real worry as well. I expect both players to be out for a period of time.

“We are hopeful Jonny Hayes won’t be out for too long but I think he will miss Sunday. Hopefully we might get Jayden back for Sunday.”