Aston Villa’s Austin MacPhee quits as Scotland set-piece coach

Aston Villa set-piece coach Austin MacPhee has stepped down from the same role with the Scotland national team.

The 44-year-old has been an integral part of Steve Clarke’s backroom team for three years.

But MacPhee has reluctantly made the decision to quit the international scene because of his father’s illness.

He wants to spend more time with family while focusing on his club job, which is also more demanding with Villa involved in the Champions League this season.

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has already had to re-jig his coaching staff after the Euro 2024 finals in Germany.

Former Scotland and West Bromwich Albion midfielder James Morrison left and has been replaced with Alan Irvine for the Nations League fixtures and upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.