New Watford head coach Billy McKinlay is to step down from his position as Northern Ireland assistant manager with immediate effect.

The 45-year-old has worked alongside Michael O’Neill since 2012, but has taken the decision in order to concentrate all his efforts on the Hornets after taking charge from Oscar Garcia yesterday.

The former Fulham coach told Watford’s website: “In accepting the head coach position at Watford, I recognise that I’ve got to concentrate my efforts solely on this club so it is with regret that I’ll be stepping down from the assistant manager position with Northern Ireland.

“I am very grateful to both the Irish FA and Michael O’Neill, who I’ve known since the early part of my playing career, for the opportunity to serve Northern Ireland. But there is no question in my mind that my attention must be fully on bringing success to Watford FC.”