In a significant career move, Austin MacPhee, the former Scotland assistant coach, has joined Portugal's national team as part of Roberto Martinez's coaching staff. MacPhee, who has an extensive coaching background, will balance his new role with his current position as the set-piece coach at Aston Villa.

MacPhee, 45, previously served as an assistant to Steve Clarke with the Scotland national team from 2021 to 2024. He stepped down from the role in September 2024 due to personal reasons, primarily his father's illness. Before his tenure with Scotland, MacPhee gained valuable experience working with Northern Ireland, Hearts, and FC Midtjylland.

His appointment to the Portugal set-up comes as a replacement for Anthony Barry, who recently joined England's coaching staff under Thomas Tuchel. MacPhee's expertise in set-pieces and tactical analysis is expected to bring a new dimension to Portugal's preparations.

Portugal's next challenge is a crucial Nations League quarter-final against Denmark next month. MacPhee will join Martinez's team during international windows, ensuring his dual roles at both club and international levels are managed effectively.

This move marks a new chapter in MacPhee's coaching career, as he returns to the international scene with one of Europe's top footballing nations.