Billy McKinlay, the former Scotland internationalist, has been appointed head coach at Watford, just three days after being recruited as a first-team coach at Vicarage Road.

Oscar Garcia has stepped down as head coach reluctantly on the grounds of his health; the Spaniard was discharged from hospital last week having undergone tests after complaining of chest pain.

McKinlay - capped 29 times for Scotland and a former midfielder for Dundee United and Blackburn Rovers - had been out of work at club level since leaving his coaching position at Fulham in December last year in the wake of Martin Jol's departure as manager. The Scot had, however, continued his work as the assistant manager to former United team-mate Michael O'Neill, now the manager of Northern Ireland.

The 45-year-old is now expected to step down from that role. He was initially unveiled as a first-team coach at Watford on Friday and found himself in nominal charge of team affairs during a 2-2 draw with Blackburn, having now been confirmed as head coach.

"I can't wait to get to know the players better now," said McKinlay, whose side face Brentford at home this evening. "I've had a great welcome from some terrific people here but my focus is firmly on the team's performance and I think there's a lot to be proud of."

His appointment has satisfied Garcia, too, with the Spaniard left to focus on his health. "I was closely involved with the appointment of Billy McKinlay, because I was aware that I may not be able to return. I always wanted an experienced British coach within our set-up," he said.