Norwich City legend Malky Mackay has stepped down as performance director of the Scottish Football Association, less than a week after European Championship qualification had been achieved.

The Pink Un: Malky Mackay scored twice as Norwich City beat local rivals Ipswich 3-1 at Carrow Road in March 2004 Picture: James BassMalky Mackay scored twice as Norwich City beat local rivals Ipswich 3-1 at Carrow Road in March 2004 Picture: James Bass (Image: Eastern Daily Press © 2004)

The former Watford, Cardiff and Wigan manager, who made 232 appearances between 1998 and 2004 after joining the Canaries from Celtic, had held the senior role for four years.

Mackay took charge of a 1-0 friendly defeat to Holland as caretaker in October 2017, between the exit of Gordon Strachan and the arrival of Alex McLeish.

Steve Clarke subsequently took charge of the national team in May 2019 and secured the first qualification for a major tournament since the 1998 World Cup with a penalty shoot-out victory in Serbia last Thursday - although 1-0 defeats in Slovakia and Israel then wasted an opportunity to guarantee a World Cup qualification play-off place via the Nations League.

Mackay explained that he felt it was the “right time to step down” and said: “At various age levels our national youth teams have consistently recorded excellent results against countries such as Brazil, Spain, Netherlands, Germany and France.

“Most importantly we have done so with a consistent style of play throughout all our youth teams, one which I firmly believe will equip us to compete against our European counterparts more readily and over time give our players the platform to become top internationals of the future.

“Our Talent ID player database stretches further than it ever has.”

The former City defender concluded: “I am proud to have served Scottish football and to have played a part in the progress that has undoubtedly been made in more recent times.

“I care deeply about the Scottish game and about the role the Scottish FA plays in leading and nurturing it. We have some of the most passionate, knowledgeable and committed coaches around and it’s no real surprise to me that a new generation of confident, brave and technical players are now emerging. I look forward to seeing them grow and compete with the very best going forward.”