Dons assistant joins Scotland set up

Aberdeen assistant manager Tony Docherty will join Gordon Strachan's Scotland backroom staff ahead of this month's double-header with Canada and Slovenia.

The national team boss has been on the look out for an extra pair of hands to help prepare his side for the crucial World Cup qualifier with the Slovenians on Sunday, March 26.

That follows the departure of ex-Hibs and Rangers coach Andy Watson, who has left to take up a role as technical director at the Al Habsi Football School in Oman.

Dons number two Docherty will now link-up with Strachan for the all-important Hampden clash and will also be in the Scots' dug-out for the warm-up fixture with the Canadians at Easter Road four days earlier.

Docherty started his coaching career with stints at Falkirk and Dundee United before linking up with Pittodrie boss Derek McInnes during his spell in charge of St Johnstone.

Together the pair have helped to re-establish Aberdeen as a major force in Scottish football, leading the Granite City outfit to their first trophy in 19 years with their 2014 League Cup success.

Strachan said: "Tony is well-respected within the game and we look forward to working alongside him for the forthcoming matches.

"I would like to thank Derek McInnes and Aberdeen for allowing Tony to come work with the Scotland backroom staff for these next two games.'

Scotland sit second bottom of Group F with just four points from four games. Defeat against Slovenia will effectively kill off any lingering hopes of reaching Russia 2018.