Steven Naismith returns to Scotland set-up as Steve Clarke’s number two

Former Hearts manager Steven Naismith has returned to the Scotland backroom staff as Steve Clarke’s number two.

The 38-year-old was previously first-team coach for the national team before being appointed Jambos boss in 2023.

Naismith – out of football since being sacked by Hearts last September – has now been summoned back to the Scotland fold to become assistant coach after John Carver left to become manager of Lechia Gdansk.

Clarke has also recruited Leicester set-piece coach Andrew Hughes to his backroom staff as a replacement for Austin MacPhee, who left the role last autumn.

Both coaches will be in place for Scotland’s World Cup qualifiers away to Denmark and Belarus next month.

“I am delighted to have Steven and Andrew with us for the World Cup qualifying campaign,” Clarke told the Scottish Football Association. “Steven has been with us before and brings a real complementary skill set to myself and (first-team coach) 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.”

Naismith, who won 51 Scotland caps, has turned down other offers since leaving Hearts but is “really excited” to be rejoining Clarke’s staff.

“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,” the former Everton, Rangers and Norwich player said.

“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.”

Former Reading, Norwich and Leeds player Hughes, 47, said: “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.”