Burns a hot tip for Scotland job

The 51-year-old former Celtic manager, who is currently head of youth and a first-team coach for the Parkhead side, could be among the contenders for the role although the SFA have refused to identify the names in the frame.

A spokesman for the SFA said: "We are still on course for a January appointment. We have identified a shortlist and will be looking to speak to people as soon as we can."

Alex McLeish's resignation as Scotland manager in November left SFA chief executive Gordon Smith with the task of identifying suitable candidates to replace the new Birmingham boss.

If Smith has decided Burns is a contender, it will be a remarkable turnaround.

Burns looked to be a strong contender in January last year when Walter Smith resigned as Scotland boss to return to Rangers.

He had been on the Scotland staff under both Smith and Berti Vogts, and was keen to take the top job in his own right, but withdrew from the running in frustration when the SFA made no contact with him.

Changes at the top of the national body, with George Peat replacing John McBeth as chairman and Gordon Smith coming in for David Taylor, should mean there is no lingering ill-feeling.

However there are other managers who may be preferred after the interview stage, with Mark McGhee, Craig Levein, Billy Davies and John Collins also strongly linked.

Smith recently revealed he had "at least six or seven" candidates in mind to succeed McLeish, but his shortlist is expected to feature fewer names.