Austin MacPhee quits Scotland as Steve Clarke dealt backroom team blow with loss of set piece specialist

The 44-year-old Aston Villa coach joined the SFA three years ago but is now stepping down from his role

Scotland set-piece specialist Austin MacPhee is stepping down from his role with the national team.

The Aston Villa coach has been an integral part of Steve Clarke's backroom team for three years - and was a key component in qualifying for Euro 2024. But it's understood that MacPhee has reluctantly made the decision to quit the international scene due to his father's illness. The 44-year-old wants to spend more time with family while focusing on his club job, with Villa involved in the Champions League this season. Losing MacPhee will be a blow to Clarke, who has already had to re-jig his coaching staff after the Euros in Germany.

James Morrison left and has been replaced by Alan Irvine for the Nations League fixtures and upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. MacPhee was also a popular figure amongst the players, with the Scots enjoying set-piece success en route to Euro 2024.

Clarke will consider different options but is in no rush to find a replacement ahead of October fixtures against Croatia and Portugal - followed by Poland and the Croats in November.

MacPhee joined the SFA set-up in 2021 having previously worked with the Northern Ireland national side. He's had stints as a coach at St Mirren, Hearts and FC Midtjylland in the past before getting the set-piece gig at Villa Park.

He's a valued member of Unai Emery's backroom staff and helped the club reach the Champions League for the first time in 41 years.

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