The Scottish set-piece guru plotting Portugal's World Cup glory

The Scottish set-piece guru plotting Portugal's World Cup gloryImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Austin MacPhee has been integral to the success of Europa League winners Aston VillaByNick McPheatBBC Sport ScotlandPublished17 June 2026Updated 3 minutes agoThe moment Youri Tielemans' opener burst the net in Aston Villa's Europa League triumph against Freiburg, each of the Premier League side's substitutes took a turn to embrace the man responsible for orchestrating another set-piece goal.Goalkeeper Emi Martinez chose not to celebrate with his outfield team-mates, instead racing over to the dugout to also show his appreciation to Scottish coach Austin MacPhee.Villa fans were heard chanting the name of the 46-year-old as their heroes on the pitch closed in on a 3-0 victory in Istanbul.Post-match, head coach Unai Emery labelled the Scot a "fantastic creator". Striker Ollie Watkins hailed his "courage". Captain John McGinn described his countryman as a "great set-piece coach".For some within Scottish football, where MacPhee did not get much love, this might feel like a bit of a fever dream.But there is simply no denying his impact, which has been integral to Villa's success and could also influence glory on the international scene for Portugal this summer.From Cupar Hearts and Cowdenbeath to the World Cup and Champions League, BBC Scotland charts MacPhee's remarkable rise.'You've been trying to kill me for 23 years' - should Ronaldo start?Published58 minutes agoPortugal beat Croatia in chaotic finish to reach last 16Could set-piece coach be Celtic's key signing?Published5 days agoTravel firms, community club owner & scouting for MexicoImage source, SNSImage caption, Austin MacPhee won one of six games in interim charge of Hearts in late 2019With blonde locks Iggy Pop would be proud of, MacPhee stands out when he rises from the dugout to choreograph a set-piece situation.His appearan...