SFA chief Smith: All Scotland candidates still in the running

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee, Southampton boss George Burley, Celtic coach Tommy Burns and Graeme Souness are all in the frame to become successor to Alex McLeish who left to join Birmingham in November.

Former Derby and Preston boss Billy Davies was in an original five-man short-list but he ruled himself out last week.

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In with a shout: Souness

There were claims this morning that Souness, who has been out of club management since parting company with Newcastle in February 2006, was the next man to withdraw his candidature.

To add to the increasing uncertainty, there were also claims that Burns, who was coach to Berti Vogts during the German's ill-fated spell as Scotland boss and subsequently with Walter Smith, is reluctant to put himself through an interview process.

The former Kilmarnock, Celtic and Reading manager, 51, was overlooked for the post 12 months ago when Smith quit Scotland to return to Rangers, leading him to resign as assistant manager.

In a statement released by the SFA, Smith attempted to clear up the present situation.

He said: "Scotland's national team coach is a high-profile and hugely important position.

"I absolutely understand why there should be so much speculation as to who may eventually be appointed and, while I would never go into detail about the process that we are following, I am happy to clarify where we are at this stage.

"We identified a short-list of candidates and we have had initial discussions with them over the past few days.

"At this stage no-one has ruled themselves out of the running for the job and we continue to work towards making an appointment by the end of the month.

"I can also confirm that we are in advance negotiations with a European association regarding the upcoming friendly date in March.

"Once we have our new coach in place we will make an announcement regarding this fixture.

"I want to assure everyone that getting the right man for the job is our number one priority."

McGhee has held discussions with the SFA but the 50-year-old told them he would not leave Motherwell before the end of the season.

McGhee's emotional ties to the club tightened following the death of skipper Phil O'Donnell on December 29.

And his debut season at Fir Park has turned into the club's most exciting campaign for years with his side sitting third in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

However, the former Wolves boss admitted managing his country would be a "great opportunity" and discussed the idea of taking over after the end of the season.

McGhee said: "I will not be leaving Motherwell before the end of this season and I have made that quite clear to the SFA.

"Firstly, I think it's my duty, as the manager, and being involved with this group of players to see it through.

"Secondly, I am currently involved in an exciting season with a great group of players and that can be a rare thing, so I am not about to walk out on that.

"I do feel strongly about it. Scotland don't have a competitive match until next autumn and I would want to fulfil my responsibilities at Motherwell. Of course, all this is for the SFA to decide."

McGhee feels he could do both jobs until the summer as Scotland do not have a competitive fixture until September.

He told www.motherwellfc.co.uk: "I think there is one squad get-together and they're having a match so there are other people involved at the SFA who can take a hand in that. So I don't think it would be difficult to do both jobs.

"If they feel they need someone in place straight away then that would be their call."

Celtic refused to comment on the possibility of Burns being interviewed for the job.

Manager Gordon Strachan said: "Tommy doesn't want me to speak about it and neither do I."

Hoops youngster Darren O'Dea - who came through the ranks under Burns' charge - admitted he would be disappointed to see Burns quit the Scottish champions but insists he deserves a shot at the Scotland job.

He said: "Tommy is a massive influence at the club, especially with myself and some of the other players.

"He would be a massive loss. But Tommy is a great guy and he deserves anything that comes to him. He works very hard and I wish him all the best whatever he does."