Souness decides Scots job can't match his Sky high aspirations

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The former international captain has told friends he has decided to withdraw his candidacy for the top job at Hampden as Alex McLeish's successor.

And, if Gordon Smith contacts Souness over the next few days with the offer of an interview, the SFA chief executive will be met with a polite refusal.

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The 54-year-old's decision means the field has narrowed to three men - Tommy Burns, Mark McGhee and George Burley - despite bookmakers yesterday slashing their odds on the former Rangers and Liverpool manager.

Sportsmail understands that Souness did initially like the idea of returning home and seeking to lead Scotland out of the wilderness years, with qualification for the World Cup 2010 Finals the ultimate goal.

But with the post paying even less cash than he commands for part-time punditry commitments with Sky Sports, Souness has finally decided he would only be setting himself up for flak if he succeeded McLeish.

Souness attended the final Euro 2008 qualifier against Italy at Hampden and the atmosphere generated by the Tartan Army that day, and the passion shown by the players, sparked a genuine interest in the job when, soon afterwards, Birmingham lured McLeish south.

He has a close relationship with Scotland captain Barry Ferguson after their time together at Blackburn but, after deep consideration, has decided there will be no reunion with Scotland.

Despite enduring an underwhelming welcome from the Tartan Army when Souness first played for his country, he subsequently joined the SFA 'Hall of Fame' with 54 full caps after skippering the side at two World Cups - in Spain in 1982 and Mexico in 1986.

He was linked with the international post in Iran this week and that would have paid more than three times the sum being offered for the Hampden job but, with his wife and young son very settled in Britain, he has no intention of moving to the Middle East.

Glasgow would have been a far more suitable base, but there have been suspicions since the vacancy emerged that the salary on offer, of £300,000 to £350,000, would not excite Souness.

There would be a bonus payment if Scotland qualify for the World Cup Finals in South Africa, but even Southampton boss Burley would have to take a pay cut from his Championship post if he were to get the vote over McGhee and Burns.

Motherwell, Celtic and Southampton have all given the SFA permission to speak to their employees, with a Scotland squad get-together on February 6 looming for the new manager.

McGhee's situation at Motherwell is the most delicate, in the wake of Phil O'Donnell's tragedy, and, if he is offered the Scotland job, club owner John Boyle may try to insist on his manager staying to the end of the season.

Burley's side meet Paul Sturrock's Plymouth tomorrow and the former Hearts boss said: "I am very happy here and my family are settled. It would be a big wrench to move from a very good club and it would be a difficult choice if I was offered the Scotland job.

"But there are some very good candidates and it will be a good job for whoever takes it. Scottish football is on a high right now and, hopefully, will keep moving that way. The World Cup qualifiers are coming up and that's a big incentive for everyone.

"But right now I'm only thinking about our trip to Home Park. We're still in the FA Cup and within touching distance of the play-offs."