Collins admits interest for ‘tough’ Scotland job

Former Celtic and Scotland midfielder John Collins has declared his interest in managing Scotland following George Burley’s sacking last night.

The Scottish Football Association confirmed yesterday evening Burley had been voted out of the job by SFA board members, just days after the teams 3 – 0 drubbing to Wales.

Scotland’s next match is a friendly against the Czech Republic on March 3 and the SFA are determined to find a replacement before the fixture takes place.

Gordon Smith, SFA chief executive, said: “We now have four months until our next scheduled match, against Czech Republic, and will therefore utilise the intervening period to ensure we attract the best possible replacement to take Scotland forward.”

Collins, who starred in Scotland’s 1998 World Cup campaign is currently out of work after leaving Belgian side Charleroi.

The former Hibernian manager told BBC Sport: “I’d be interested in managing the national team. But it is not for me to put my name forward, it’s for the SFA to draw up their list.

“But let’s make no mistake about it, it’s a very tough job.”

In his day Collins was a fine midfielder and a brilliant passer of the ball who played for the likes of Hibernian, Celtic, Everton, Monaco and Fulham.

But he believes the next manager has to be in it for the long haul and will be needed time to take Scotland forward.

“As Graeme Souness said the other day, no-one is going to come in with a magic wand and turns us into a fantastic football team.

“There is a lot of work to be done and it will be one stage at a time.”  

Other linked candidates for the job include Jim Jeffries, Craig Levein, Walter Smith, Gary McCallister, Burnley manager Owen Coyle and Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies.

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