New Watford head coach Billy McKinlay leaves job as Northern Ireland assistant

Watford's new head coach Billy McKinlay has stepped down from his position as Northern Ireland's assistant manager to fully focus on his job with the Hornets.

It was announced yesterday that McKinlay had replaced Oscar Garcia, who resigned as head coach after less than a month in charge because of health issues.

As expected, McKinlay today confirmed that he had relinquished his duties with Michael O'Neill and the Northern Ireland team.

"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," McKinlay told Watford's website.

"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."

McKinlay takes charge of his first match as a full-time manager later tonight when Brentford visit Vicarage Road in the Championship.