Sky Bet Championship: Billy McKinlay steps down as number two for Northern Ireland

Newly-appointed Watford boss Billy McKinlay has resigned as Northern Ireland's number two with immediate effect.

The former Scotland international was installed at Vicarage Road only days after joining the coaching team, with Oscar Garcia taking time off to rest following a recent health scare.

That immediately compromised his role as Michael O'Neill's assistant and, with an international window around the corner, during which Northern Ireland have a double header of Euro 2016 qualifiers against the Faroe Islands and Greece, McKinlay has quickly announced his departure from the Irish FA.

He said: "In accepting the head coach position at Watford, I recognise I've got to concentrate my efforts solely on this club role, so it is with regret that I'll be stepping down from the assistant manager position with Northern Ireland.

"I am very grateful to both the Irish FA and to Michael O'Neill, who I've known since the early part of my playing career, for the opportunity to serve Northern Ireland but there is no question in my mind that my attention must be fully on bringing success to Watford FC.

"It's been an honour and a privilege to work as part of an international coaching structure. I wish Michael, the staff, players and everyone else connected with Northern Ireland football my best wishes for a successful Euro 2016 qualifying campaign."McKinlay had previously combined a role as Fulham's first team coach with his Northern Ireland work before being axed from Craven Cottage.