Steve Clarke has reinforced his backroom team ahead of Scotland’s FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Steven Naismith, a member of the international Roll of Honour with 51 caps and former Hearts Head Coach, will return as assistant coach to replace John Carver. He will be joined by Andrew Hughes, Leicester City’s set-piece coach, who will perform the same role for Scotland.
Both coaches will be in place for Scotland’s open Group C double-header, away to Denmark and Belarus on September 5 and 8.
“I am delighted to have Steven and Andrew with us for the World Cup qualifying campaign,” said Steve. “Steven has been with us before and brings a real complementary skill set to myself and Alan Irvine.
“He has had opportunities to return to full-time club football, so it says a lot for his pride in the national team that he has agreed to join up with us again. I was really impressed by a number of potential candidates we’d spoken to when John left to continue at Lechia Gdansk but the fact we’ve worked together before makes for a seamless transition.
“I am also really pleased to have Andrew with us. He has coached in a variety of roles since retiring from playing but has excelled as set-piece coach at Norwich City and now Leicester City and I am grateful to Marti Cifuentes for allowing Andrew to work with us during the international windows.”
Steven Naismith: “I am really excited to be rejoining the Scotland men’s national team coaching staff under Steve. When I left Hearts, I made a point of not jumping straight back in at the first offer but to reflect on my coaching experiences and wait for something that really excited me.
“When I first spoke to Steve about the possibility of coming back it was a no-brainer: I loved playing for my country, I’ve loved being part of the coaching team previously and I can’t wait to help support the mission to take Scotland to a World Cup again.”
Andrew Hughes: “From the moment I got the call from Steve I have felt extremely honoured to be invited to work with the Scotland men’s national team.
“My father is Scottish and as well as this being a proud moment for me and my family, it is a hugely exciting time as a coach to be part of a World Cup qualifying campaign, with such a talented squad, following back-to-back Euro qualifications. I can’t wait to get started.”