Scotland: Mark McGhee becomes Gordon Strachan's assistant

Mark McGhee has been appointed as the assistant coach to new Scotland manager Gordon Strachan.

Strachan, 55, was appointed manager of the national side earlier this week.

"I am immensely proud and honoured to be asked by Gordon to assist him as national coach," McGhee said.

And former Scotland international Strachan added: "The enthusiasm he brings to the training ground will be a huge asset to me and to the squad."

The pair became friends during their Aberdeen careers before both moved into management.

McGhee, also 55, was most recently manager at Bristol Rovers before being sacked last month. That came after a torrid spell in charge of Aberdeen.

He guided Rovers to 13th position in League Two last season. However, a run of nine defeats in 11 matches saw him part company with the club.

Mark McGhee left Bristol Rovers in December

The former Dons striker enjoyed a fruitful time as Motherwell manager when he guided them into Europe after the Steelmen had spent several seasons fighting relegation.

On account of his success at Fir Park, McGhee was one of the favourites for both the Celtic job - after Strachan's exit from Parkhead - and the main Scotland job that Strachan now holds, when Alex McLeish left the post.

Tony Mowbray and George Burley pipped him to both jobs, respectively.

"There are few more passionate Scots around than Gordon and I am hugely excited by the challenge of taking our national team up the table in the Fifa World Cup Qualifying group and, hopefully, helping to lead us to the Euro Championships in France in 2016," McGhee told the Scottish Football Association website.

"Prior to Gordon's appointment, I had been scouting for [Strachan's predecessor] Craig Levein so I am aware that we have a very exciting squad of players to work with and I look forward to helping Gordon realise his vision for the national team."

Strachan believes McGhee can help instil a positive mentality in the national squad.

"It is important that we start out in a positive frame of mind and remind the players that international recognition, as well as being the greatest honour of your career, is also something to savour and enjoy," added Strachan, who was appointed on Tuesday.

"I have known Mark long enough to know that he shares this philosophy and I am delighted to have him on board."