Scotland U-21s boss Scot Gemmill insists Celtic coach Stephen McManus has met the criteria set by senior head coach Steve Clarke to join the national team's coaching set-up alongside his green and white duties.
The former Hoops and national team defender replaces Peter Houston as a coach in the elite youth squad following coaching experience at Celtic, where he has been involved with their Lowland League 'B' team. Clarke wanted someone with international experience to work with some of the countries best prospects and Gemmill is delighted that McManus is onboard after coming in under the discretion of Parkhead manager Ange Postecoglou.
He said ahead of matches with Northern Ireland in the next week: "It's about the players and us trying to provide the best environment and we think Stephen can help us do that. We had Peter Houston working with us. He's got a great job and he decided to concentrate on that.
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"Stephen also has a full-time job, so it's at the discretion of his club manager. It has to fit for Stephen and his job, so we'll see how we go.
"Hopefully we can both make it work. It was important that we picked the right kind of person. Stephen can help the players' development and preparation, but it also needs to be correct off the pitch.
"The way Stephen conducts himself is excellent. He's very experienced and he's a former international. Steve Clarke was keen for the person we got to have international experience, so he ticks a lot of boxes. He's well-connected and knows people."
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