Scotland rugby league head coach Steve McCormack has been named as the new boss of Championship strugglers Gateshead Thunder.

McCormack, who took charge of Scotland's World Cup campaign last year, was surprisingly sacked by Widnes at the start of the season but has replaced Chris Hood, who will stay on as assistant, in the north east.

The former Salford and Whitehaven coach will begin his reign with a Challenge Cup tie against Oldham this weekend and can't wait to get started.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for me and when I was approached about the job it didn't take me long to make up my mind," said McCormack, who will link up with Scottish international Andrew Henderson at the Thunder.

"I know a lot of the players already and there is a good platform to build on here and I can't wait to get started, I feel refreshed after the break I've had since I left Widnes."