Alex McLeish said he is “relishing the challenge” of leading Scotland’s national football team to a major tournament.
The Aberdeen FC legend has been confirmed as the side’s new head coach, a role he will take on for the second time in his managerial career after former team mate Gordon Strachan left the position last year.
The Scottish FA confirmed the news on Friday morning.
Speaking following the announcement, McLeish said: “It is a tremendous honour to be named Scotland national team head coach.
“I am incredibly fortunate to have had the chance to lead my country already and I am immensely proud to be in this position for a second time.
“There is much to be positive about in Scottish football, with players playing at the highest level and promising talent breaking through.
“With Hampden Park as one of the host venues for Euro 2020 we have an amazing opportunity to showcase our talents to the world from our own back yard.
“I am relishing the challenge of leading us to a major tournament and I cannot wait to get started.”
McLeish last took charge of the Scottish national team in 2007 ahead of the Uefa Euro 2008 qualifiers.
He recorded the highest win percentage of any previous Scotland manager during his brief spell in charges, with seven victories out of 10; including a 1-0 win over France in Paris.
Alex McLeish has a long history with Scotland, both as a player and a manager. 🏴 pic.twitter.com/8iJmqqaF7e
— Scottish FA (@ScottishFA) February 16, 2018
As a player McLeish was capped 77 times, playing at three World Cups.
He has managed Motherwell, Hibs, Rangers, Birmingham City, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.
Scottish FA president Alan McRae said: “Alex McLeish is a true Scotland legend and a natural leader who has enjoyed success at club level in Scotland and England and at international level.
“It is a rarity to be in a position to appoint someone who has experience of successfully managing their country and we are delighted to reach an agreement with Alex.
“During the recruitment process he received resounding endorsements from several influential figures in the game which helped establish him as an outstanding choice from a strong list of possible candidates.
“Alex has demonstrated a desire and ability to get results with the national team and we believe that he is best placed to inspire our talented group of players to glory.
“With Hampden Park hosting matches at Uefa Euro 2020 it is more important than ever before for Scotland to qualify for a tournament finals and we believe that Alex is the exemplary candidate to guide us there.”
McLeish will helm Scotland for the first time in a decade at Hampden Park on Friday, March 23 for a clash with Costa Rica.
