Malky Mackay refuses to rule out taking Scotland job

Malky Mackay, interim manager of Scotland, refused to rule out the possibility of taking on the job on a long-term basis. Picture: Getty Images

Appointed the Scottish Football Association’s Performance Director less than a year ago, Mackay will take interim charge of the national team for next month’s friendly match against the Netherlands at Pittodrie.

In his current role, Mackay is spearheading Project Brave, aimed at overhauling the youth systems of Scotland’s football clubs.

But the former Wigan Athletic and Cardiff City manager refused to rule out succeeding Gordon Strachan as manager of the national team.

Mackay, who said he had not been consulted over the recruitment process, held a press conference today to unveil his Scotland squad for the Netherlands friendly, where he was asked about the vacant position.

He said: “Every Scottish manager would be proud to manage their national team and right now I am that person.

“I played for my nation and I will manage my nation in two weeks’ time, and to be able to do that is something I will be eternally grateful for and humbled by. But right now my focus is just in the next couple of weeks.

“Who wouldn’t want to do that? But timing is a big thing and I’m 10 months into a job I’m incredibly proud to be doing, and in a job that is fundamentally important for Scottish football.

“I’ve been guiding this pathway for our youngsters and driving that, and making sure there’s a close connection with our football clubs.

“So I’ve got a job to do at the moment and in the next two weeks I’ve got this one to do as well.”