Ex-Bluebirds boss Mackay in Scots link

FORMER Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay is the joint favourite to succeed Gordon Strachan as Scotland manager.

Mackay is 2/1 along with former Manchester United and Everton boss David Moyes to take over the Tartan Army, after Strachan oversaw a failed World Cup qualifying campaign.

It was revealed on Thursday that Strachan and his assistant Mark McGhee will leave the Scottish national team.

Their qualification campaign ended in agony after a 2-2 draw with Slovenia left them third in the group.

Mackay, who left the Bluebirds under a cloud in 2013, went on to join Wigan Athletic before taking up a role as performance director with the Scottish FA last year.

He now tops a list of candidates which also includes Moyes, Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes, Alex McLeish and Sam Allardyce.

Strachan in a statement on the Scottish FA website said: “I said on my first day as Scotland manager that it was the proudest moment of my career and that I wanted to put a smile back on the nation’s face again. I share the profound disappointment at missing out on the play-offs, especially having worked so hard to fight our way back into contention.

“The players should receive immense credit for that resilience in coming back from a difficult start and I would like to thank each and every player who has come in to represent their country.

“Together we have shared some really magical moments

“Of course, what made those moments special was the unwavering support of our fans. Through highs and lows you have stayed with the team and my biggest regret is not being able to provide the finals tournament you deserve.“