AN SNP MSP has said the appointment of former Cardiff manager Malky Mackay to oversee youth football in Scotland following the storm over racist, sexist and homophobic text messages would be "deeply concerning".

Clare Haughey has called on the SFA to rule out the appointment of Mr Mackay as Performance Director, claiming it would send out the wrong messages about bigotry and football.

Mr Mackay has been widely tipped as favourite for the post, with reports the former Scotland international defender impressed at a second Hampden interview with the sport's governing body last week.

In 2014 it was reported that Mr Mackay had sent a series of offensive text messages between to Cardiff’s then head of recruitment Iain Moody. The texts reportedly included racist language used when discussing black and Asian players, anti-semitic and sexist comments about football agents and homophobic comments about a club official and a player.

Ms Haughey, deputy convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Health and Sport Committee, said: “It’s deeply concerning that a former manager who has reportedly made a series of racist, homophobic and sexist comments is being widely tipped as the favourite for a key role in the SFA.

“Such an appointment would risk sending a message that bigotry is no barrier to a top job in Scottish football, a particularly terrible message to send to the young players of tomorrow who would be overseen by the Performance Director.

“Scottish football has made huge efforts to tackle racism and homophobia in the sport and to promote women’s football – valuable steps in making sure that everyone can participate in our national game.

“The SFA should see sense and rule out this appointment."

Originally part of a six-man shortlist, the 44-year-old former Celtic and West Ham defender was expected to go toe to toe for the job this week with Austin MacPhee.

However, Mr MacPhee opted to join the new managerial team at Hearts FC.

Mr Mackay had been expected to become manager of Premier League club Crystal Palace in August 2014 but dropped out of contention after Cardiff City sent a dossier to the Football Association alleging misconduct.

He apologised for writing two messages that he admitted were disrespectful of other cultures, but denied stating anything of a homophobic or sexist nature.