The Blues boss is supportive of his assistant Alan Irvine's work with the Scotland national set-up
David Moyes with Everton assistant Alan Irvine
David Moyes with Everton assistant Alan Irvine
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David Moyes has explained why he is so supportive of his backroom staff being involved in international football. His assistant manager at the Blues, Alan Irvine, is a key figure behind the scenes in the Scotland set-up, where he holds the same position in support of Steve Clarke.
He is part of a significant Everton contingent in the Scottish set-up, one that celebrated a first World Cup qualification since 1998 in the week after a dramatic and emotional victory over Denmark.
For Moyes, having a trusted figure gaining information and experience elsewhere is useful to their work at Finch Farm.
Irvine is in his fourth stint at the Blues, having been a player between 1981-84, number two between 2002-07 and a spell as head of the academy.
He returned to Merseyside when Moyes took over from Sean Dyche in January and remains an influential figure at the club.
The 67-year-old combines his role at Hill Dickinson Stadium with a position on Clarke’s Scotland coaching staff and, on Tuesday, he joined fellow Everton stalwarts, Steven Naismith, a player between 2012-16 and Chris Woods, goalkeeping coach from 1998-2013, in celebrating their 4-2 win over Denmark, which secured a first World Cup place in 28 years.
Moyes was delighted not only for his home country but for his long-time colleague, who he encouraged to take the position. He said: “Alan has been part of Scotland for a couple of years now.
“I’ve always liked my staff to be involved (with national teams) and if they get invited to do it because they come back with knowledge; they see players, get to know them, see how other teams play. “In an international break, when there's not much going on, it’s not too bad.
“But I’m thrilled for Alan, thrilled for Scotland, and for Steve as well, who’s done a really good job.”
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