CHRIS LAKEY Malky Mackay has ruled himself out of an early return to the Championship as new City boss Peter Grant's right-hand man. The popular former Canaries defender had been touted as his former Celtic team-mate's first appointment after being named the new Carrow Road manager on Friday evening.

CHRIS LAKEY

Malky Mackay has ruled himself out of an early return to the Championship as new City boss Peter Grant's right-hand man.

The popular former Canaries defender had been touted as his former Celtic team-mate's first appointment after being named the new Carrow Road manager on Friday evening.

But Mackay says he wants to continue playing Premiership football with Watford - and reckons Grant will be a success story in his own right.

"I am contracted to Watford to the end of the season and I am thrilled at playing in the Premiership," said Mackay yesterday. "At this moment in time, that's how it stays. Peter is a friend of mine, it's his job and I am delighted for him. He will be a fantastic manager.

"A few people have been putting two and two together and making five. I didn't apply for the job - there are a lot of boxes to tick and I wasn't ready. Maybe one day in the future, but at the moment I'm not ready to take that jump.

"But Peter will do an excellent job. He has got great credentials, his background, his work ethic, his man management, his commitment and passion - he is an up-and-coming manager who is open to ideas and in my mind Norwich have got the right man. The club is obviously close to my heart and I wish Peter and Norwich well."

Grant's appointment answers one question, but the matter of who will make up his backroom team might just become a little clearer today when he is expected to address the media.

Coach Martin Hunter was in charge for the 3-3 draw at Loftus Road, but he declined to answer questions on his own position, although sources suggest that he will remain at the club.

"We will meet with Pete on Monday as a staff before we train in the afternoon and then we'll take it from there," he said, before adding: "I'd prefer to talk about the game if we could, please."

Grant swaps his suit for a tracksuit this morning - and he's likely to have plenty to say after seeing the Canaries throw away more points at the weekend.

He was in the QPR directors' box on Saturday as an injury time goal denied the Canaries their first away win of the season - making it five points dropped this season because of late, late breaches of their defence.

Grant was seen taking notes throughout the game - and will doubtless spell out his concerns ahead of the difficult trip to Birmingham City tomorrow night.