McFadden joins Scotland coaching team

Former St Johnstone star James McFadden and Peter Grant have been appointed as members of Alex McLeish’s new-look Scotland coaching set-up.

Celtic goalkeeping coach Stevie Woods will also join the backroom staff.

The three coaches have been handed two-year contracts ahead of McLeish’s first match in charge against Costa Rica on March 23.

Former Celtic and Scotland midfielder Grant, who will continue working as a youth coach at Fulham, has worked with McLeish at the likes of Birmingham, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.

Woods was among McLeish’s first signings as a manager when he took over at Motherwell in 1994.

McFadden was also on the Fir Park books as a young player during his future Scotland manager’s spell in charge.

The 34-year-old, whose winning goal against France in Paris under McLeish was the highlight of an impressive 48-cap international career, was Motherwell assistant manager last season before embarking on a short playing stint with Queen of the South.

McLeish, who today names the first squad of his second spell in charge, said: “I am delighted to be in a position to welcome Peter, James and Stevie to the Scotland coaching staff and I’m relishing the prospect of working with them on the training ground.

“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.

Meanwhile, former Dundee United defender Barry Douglas is set to be named in McLeish’s first Scotland squad in more than a decade.

The Wolves defender – together with Swansea striker Oliver McBurnie, who is on loan at Barnsley – are understood to be among the uncapped players the Scotland manager will select for the friendlies later this month.

McLeish has already confirmed Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay will be in the squad.

Scotland Under-21 international McBurnie has scored five goals in seven appearances since moving to Oakwell in January.

Former United player Douglas has made 32 appearances for Sky Bet Championship leaders Wolves this season, scoring four goals and setting up another 11.

He spent three seasons at Tannadice, making more than 75 appearances, before leaving in 2013 for Polish side Lech Poznan and then moving on to Konyaspor in Turkey.

The 28-year-old will join a fellow former Tangerines left-back, Liverpool’s Andy Robertson, in the squad.

James McFadden scored 15 goals in 48 games for Scotland.