Big Eck hands trio roles in set-up

ALEX McLEISH has put the “final pieces in place” to his backroom team after appointing former Hoops defender Peter Grant and Motherwell legend James McFadden as his assistant coaches for Scotland, with Celtic’s Stevie Woods joining the ranks as goalkeeping coach.

The trio have been appointed on two-year contracts and will join up with the Scotland squad ahead of the Costa Rica fixture at Hampden Park later this month as McLeish puts his own stamp on his second stint as national team manager.

“With these appointments, the final pieces are in place for my backroom staff and we can now begin the process of selecting and training a successful team to entertain the Scotland supporters and take us back to a major tournament, starting with the UEFA Nations League matches later this year,” said McLeish.

Grant, who won two Scotland caps in a playing career spanning three decades, will combine his Scotland coaching duties with his role as Lead Professional Development Coach at Fulham.

McFadden, meanwhile, earned 48 caps for Scotland, scoring 15 goals, including a memorable strike that earned victory over France in Paris during McLeish’s first spell.

Woods brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having been goalkeeping coach at Celtic for more than a decade, where he has worked closely with Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon. McLeish added: “The three offer a complementary blend of experience, enthusiasm and success – both as players and as coaches – and are fully aware of the responsibility that comes with being part of the national team staff.

“Peter has enjoyed a distinguished coaching career. I have known him for a long time – in fact, I played alongside him for Scotland in both his appearances.

“James brings a youthful enthusiasm to the coaching team, but beyond that he offers a relatable figure for the players to look up to. Stevie is a highly-respected figure as a goalkeeping coach and is well-known to many of the players.”