MARK WARBURTON has hit out at the ‘lazy’ comments made during the row over Malky Mackay’s suitability to become the new SFA Performance Director.

The 44-year-old is poised replace Brian McClair and land the key Hampden position to oversee the development of the next generation of Scottish players.

But Mackay’s return to football has been met with a mixed reaction following the text message scandal that engulfed him three years ago.

The Scot was sacked by Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan and was embroiled in a row over the language he used in communications with Bluebirds Head of Recruitment Iain Moody.

Rangers boss Warburton worked with Mackay during his time at Watford and insists he is the right man to lead the rebuilding job in our national game.

He said: "I know Malky very well. He's a football man through and through. I've read some shocking statements about Malky.

"I get very disappointed when I see people copying and pasting articles from three-and-a-half years ago. I think that's lazy journalism.

"But I do know Malky's integrity, I know he's an honest football person. I've watched him work with young players and old players and he's a first-class football man.

"He's very knowledgeable, very articulate. He's good on the grass, good in the boardroom. He's a very smart guy and I know he'll do a great job for the SFA."

"Without being rude, that would be entirely the wrong thing. 'To hit the ground running' - what does that mean?

"It's a long-term job. You don't just suddenly put in development plans and then say we've just won a World Cup. It doesn't work that way, it takes time to put structures in place.

"Has Malky got the organisational skills? Is he smart enough? Absolutely - but it is a long-term project by the very nature of its title."