MICHAEL McARDLE has been appointed Scotland interim head coach ahead of the upcoming Women’s Nations League games in February.

The Scottish FA’s head of elite women’s football takes over from Pedro Martinez Losa, who departed last month after a 2-0 play-off defeat in Finland saw the side fail to qualify for Euro 2025.

McArdle will take charge of matches against Austria and the Netherlands next month.

SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell said: “Having Michael step in as interim head coach for the women’s national team means that we can fully prepare for the upcoming Nations League games while the recruitment process for a permanent head coach continues.

“Michael brings extensive experience within coaching and performance environments and has excelled in his remit since joining the association two years ago.”

McArdle joined the SFA in 2023 from St Mirren, where he held the position of head of academy coaching.

“Since gaining his Uefa Pro Licence in 2022, he has overseen a revamp of the girls’ elite pathway in Scotland and has led Scotland women’s under-23s, under-19s and under-17s in various competitions over the last two years.”