MOYES IS HAMMER OF THE SCOTS
Now Malky’s in pole position as former Man United boss heads to West Ham
DAVIE MOYES looks set to rule himself out of the running to lead Scotland to Euro 2020 today – to accept a six-month contract and relegation dogfight with West Ham.
The former Manchester United boss was one of the leading contenders to replace Gordon Strachan in the national dugout and it is understood the SFA had already opened talks about offering him a path back into management.
But Moyes has pulled the plug on the idea – and that could clear the way for Malky Mackay to land the Scotland job on a more permanent basis – by jumping instead at
another high-profile role in the English Premier League and chance to repair his damaged reputation south of the border.
It’s understood Moyes is even willing to accept a short-term deal until the end of the season to become Slaven Bilic’s replacement having spoken publicly of his desire to take on the position while the Croat was still battling for his survival.
But a thrashing against Liverpool on Saturday was the final nail in Bilic’s coffin and Moyes is expected to be unveiled at the London Stadium today.
And last night stand-in boss Mackay was already taking a long-term view to what is supposed to be a one-game gig against Holland on Thursday.
He declared his intention to launch an immediate hunt for a striker after admitting he may not have a single recognised hitman in his team to face Holland.
Mackay has been cursing his luck after Celtic talisman Leigh Griffiths pulled out of the squad for Pittodrie.
Having not included a string of experienced alternatives such as Chris Martin, Steven Fletcher and Steven Naismith, his only specialist No.9 is uncapped Nottingham Forest attacker Jason Cummings.
And the indications at the new national HQ on the outskirts of Edinburgh yesterday were Cummings is likely to be left on the bench, with West Brom winger Matt Phillips on standby to lead the line.
Mackay, who says he has other options in James Forrest and Ryan Christie, insists the hunt to identify long-term solutions must begin now.
He said: “There is a dearth of strikers. We have Leigh but after that it is down to our talent ID department going forward to actually sit down with the managers, coaches and scouts and say, ‘Okay, who do we have?’ You can’t buy one.
“The clubs have them, they have to play them. We have to look at what is the best centre forward out there that is Scottish.”
Mackay has already hinted he would be willing to ditch his role as the SFA’s performance director to take on the manager’s job on a more permanent basis.
And he is determined to use this friendly as an opportunity to drip-feed fresh talent into the set-up with a view to the Euro 2020 qualification campaign.
Asked if the result of the friendly matters he said: “There is a bit of everything. We are going to try to win the game but it is about making sure we have guys we think can be Scotland players for this next campaign.”