David Moyes has added further to the Scottish influence at Real Sociedad by appointing Billy McKinlay to his coaching staff.

The appointment was made ahead of tonight's La Liga match against Elche, which will be the former Manchester United manager's first home game in charge of Real.

Moyes took over the Basque club two weeks ago and last Saturday saw them secure a 0-0 away draw with Deportivo La Coruna. He has now moved to add the experienced McKinlay as his assistant coach.

The former Dundee United, Blackburn Rovers and Scotland midfielder had a brief spell in charge of Watford earlier this season. He has also served on the coaching staffs of Fulham and Northern Ireland.

Real Sociedad confirmed that McKinlay's appointment had completed Moyes' staff.

The 45-year-old coach left his job as assistant manager of Northern Ireland in September to take charge of Watford.

But, bizarrely, he was sacked after eight days, having taken four points from two matches.

With Moyes offering him the chance to join his backroom team, Northern Ireland are now likely to appoint a permanent deputy to O'Neill.

Tonight's match against Elche is a chance for struggling Sociedad to give their supporters something to cheer about and begin the task of climbing up the table from 16th place.

Moyes said: "I'm looking forward to a big crowd and a good atmosphere and I hope the fans get right behind the team. What I want to see from the team is speed in their play, excitement, commitment and showing how determined they are to play well for the club.

"Can I get all this in the first game at home? I don't know but that is what I want.

"I want a good performance for the team but, more importantly, I want three points."

Moyes reiterated that he will need time to make his mark on Sociedad, his first coaching job since his failed stint at Old Trafford ended in April.

"We can't make big changes just now but I think the players are really focused and really interested in their work and want to get better," said the 51-year-old Scot.

"It gives me a lot of hope and a lot of faith that the players are trying very hard to improve in every training session.

"I am still assessing the group. I've only seen one game so it's going to take time."

Meanwhile, Barcelona defen-der Thomas Vermaelen is to have an op in Finland next week to correct a thigh problem.

The Belgian is expected to be out for four to five months.