Burns takes temporary charge of Scotland

But Burns, 47, could step aside if a replacement for Berti Vogts is found before the friendly at Easter Road.

SFA chief executive David Taylor would not say who was on the shortlist of between one and 10 names, but he did admit that they were all Scottish.

"The matter will be progressed with due regard to confidentiality," he said.

Taylor stressed that no contact had yet been made with any of the candidates, all of whom are based in the UK.

BURNS FACTFILE 1975: Joins Celtic 1988: Wins league and cup double with Celtic in centenary season 1989: Moves to Kilmarnock 1992: Appointed Kilmarnock boss 1994: Takes over as Celtic manager 1995: Leads Celtic to Scottish Cup win 1997: Parts company with Celtic 1998: Appointed Reading manager 1999: Parts company with Reading 2000: Re-joins Celtic after spell as Kenny Dalglish's assistant at Newcastle 2002: Burns confirmed as Vogts' assistant for Scotland 2004: Vogts resigns and Burns takes temporary charge

"The appointment will be made by the board on the recommendation of the office-bearers and the chief executive," he stated.

"In the interim, Tommy Burns will take over all team affairs until further notice."

Burns admitted that he was proud to be taking over, even if only on a provisional basis.

"It is a great honour to be appointed coach of the Scotland team, even on a caretaker basis," he said.

"I will announce my squad for the Sweden game next week and will talk about my plans in more detail at that time.

"I would ask the Scotland support, who have been outstanding in the way they have stayed behind the team during a difficult period, to come to Easter Road in large numbers and give the players their full backing."

German Vogts was the first overseas coach to take charge of the national team and the disappointment of his reign means that his successor is likely to be a Scot.

Former Coventry City and Southampton manager Strachan has expressed his desire to become Scotland boss one day and appears to have the support of many members of the Tartan Army.

I think it's important that at least someone's in charge so the SFA can spend time on appointing the right man for the job From Gary Alexander Have your say on Fans' Forum

Former Rangers manager, 56-year-old Walter Smith, would be available to take charge immediately and it is understood that he would accept the role if it was offered to him.

But he has distanced himself from the position and appears to want a return to club management in the short term.

He has been backed by the likes of Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

And former Arsenal manager Bruce Rioch has said he wants the task of reviving his country's fortunes.