Burley silent on Scotland job

Speculation has been mounting in recent weeks as the SFA began whittling down a list of applicants into a shortlist of serious contenders.

Burley, something of a dark horse in a race in which Celtic coach Tommy Burns and Motherwell manager Mark McGhee are bookies' favourites, was reluctant to discuss the situation on Monday night, saying: "You would have to contact the club. It's all speculation at the moment."

Burley's reticence, however, was in contrast to his more flippant proclamation in December when he said: "About 500 people have been linked with the job. If you have a Scottish accent, you've got a chance. But any opportunity to manage the national team is something I'd be interested in."

In addition to an approach to the former Hearts manager, the SFA asked Celtic to speak to Burns as well as officially contacting Motherwell for permission to approach McGhee.

Burley, Burns and McGhee are joined on the shortlist by former Rangers and Liverpool boss Graeme Souness while former Motherwell and Preston manager Billy Davies confirmed he had pulled out of the running on Tuesday.

Celtic would not comment on any approach for Burns, who was assistant to Berti Vogts during the German's ill-fated spell as Scotland boss. Motherwell were equally reticent about discussing the possible future of their manager, with owner John Boyle saying he was unaware of any approach from the SFA.

McGhee, 50, has impressed on and off the pitch this season. The former Leicester and Wolves manager has led a youthful Motherwell side in to a top-six position in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League in his short spell with the club.

He also enhanced his growing reputation by the dignified way he handled the recent death of club captain Phil O'Donnell, who died of heart failure during a match against Dundee United over a fortnight ago. But that tragedy has clearly affected McGhee's thoughts about possibly leaving Motherwell to take the Scotland post.

He said on Friday: "I could only do the Scotland job with the absolute consensus of everybody here. I won't be walking out in any way that leaves any resentment."