Mackay made his Scotland debut at the age of 32 in Denmark in 2004
New Watford manager Malky Mackay hopes to be in the Vicarage Road hotseat for a lot longer than in his last brief spell in charge seven months ago.
Mackay, 37, took the reins for five games as caretaker boss last November, following Adie Boothroyd's sacking.
But, having now been chosen to succeed Brendan Rodgers following the latter's defection to Reading, Mackay admits: "I intend to be here as long as I can.
"I would like to see long-term success for Watford, whatever that may be."
Mackay, who won five Scotland caps, began his career north of the border as a 20-year-old with Queen's Park back in August 1992.
The uncompromising centre-half went on to play at Celtic, Norwich City, West Ham United and Watford in a playing career that brought 35 goals in 430 appearances.
His managerial track record currently reads two wins, one draw and two defeats in five games but he admits his experience last autumn was invaluable.
"We went through November in the way I would want to run the club," he told BBC Three Counties Radio.
"I am young in management and want to learn constantly. But this football club has given me the chance to be manager and I want to pay that back."
Mackay admits that the news that Rodgers had left for Reading last week had come as a surprise.
"I got the phone-call that he had left," said Mackay. "And it did surprise me but you have got to move on."
Mackay is yet to get his backroom staff in place, but hopes to make a quick announcement.
"I will make sure I get my people in place in the next week or so but there are ongoing discussions with people at the football club and others.
"They must have a passion for the football club and want to be here. That is the sort of people I want around me.
"This is a community club and we are in a transitional state at the moment.
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