The SFA performance director says he will “return to the day job” after overseeing the 1-0 loss to Netherlands at Pittodrie. Shortly before the friendly, SFA chief executive Stewart Regan confirmed that Mackay would not be considered for the role on a permanent basis as the search for Gordon Strachan’s replacement continues.

Mackay, who gave debuts to four players last night, believes the future of the national team is bright for whoever gets the job.

He said: “I wouldn’t imagine I’ll be in charge for the next friendly. I’ll go back to my day job tomorrow. We have a staff in place. That’s what I’ll be heavily involved in, putting in place a staff which surrounds the senior squad. I want it to be a certain fashion, like a Champions League club.

Interim Scotland manager Malky Mackay after the 1-0 defeat by Netherlands at Pittodrie. Picture: Craig Williamson/SNS

“I was really, really proud of the players tonight. To play against Holland and end up with 18 chances on goal says something about them.

“They will be disappointed at not being more clinical and taking some of the chances but I thought they showed real bravery.

“We have a young group who are very athletic and tactically aware of the gameplan. More than that, they are technically good players.

“People have knocked the technique of Scottish footballers but, if you look at the way they played against one of the top-ranked European countries, who are so comfortable on the ball. We were also very comfortable on the ball,” added Mackay, pictured.

“I’m very proud of them and I’ve told them that. That is the group with the jerseys now. They have three or four friendlies to play before they go into the Euro 2020 qualifiers. Why that group can’t go on to win 50 caps, I don’t know.

“We lost Leigh Griffiths beforehand, lost Stuart Armstrong on Wednesday and lost Scott Brown during it. He sat next to me on the bench and was part of the coaching staff.

“We also lost Darren Fletcher. If you add those four to it, then you are starting to see a real good blend. We have a lot of young, hungry, athletic and talented footballers. They just need belief. They just need helped along the way to become top Scottish international footballers.

“If they play like that against mid-ranking European teams in a campaign, then we win.”

Mackay is unsure if he will play any part in the ongoing process to find a new manager.

“There is a sub-committee involved in picking the new manager,” he said. “I don’t think I’ll be involved in that. If I’m asked my opinion, fine. All I’ve been doing in the last week was making sure the preparation was right to go and play Holland.”

'˜Proud' Malky Mackay bows out after only game in charge of Scotland