Burns says he has not been approached about the job

Smith remains favourite for the national post and Burns' chances were dented by the 4-1 defeat by Sweden.

But Burns said: "I am not an egotistical guy and, if Walter gets the job, I would speak to him if he wants.

"But I would not want to be part of something where someone feels obligated because I have been here two years."

Burns insisted that there were positive signs for the future, despite the heavy loss at Easter Road.

"This has given me an insight of how difficult it is to be an international manager," said the Celtic youth coach who had been assistant to previous Scotland boss Berti Vogts.

I know Tommy Burns gets the best out of his players Scotland midfielder Jackie McNamara

"You have plans laid and then they are wiped out by withdrawals and injuries and you are judged by the result.

"What might happen is all hypothetical, but I have got a fantastic wife, a fantastic family, a fantastic job at a great club.

"I am very privileged and I won't live or die by whether I get the Scotland job or not."

He had earlier admitted that he has not held any discussions with the SFA, who are believed to have had contact with Smith, about the possibility of taking on the job permanently.

"I have not had any indications about whether they want to speak to me about it," said Burns.

"They asked me if I'd take this game and also the Future Team game in December and I'm delighted to do that."

Match report: Scotland 1-4 Sweden

Burns also made it clear he would have no objections to Smith being interviewed for the post immediately after Wednesday's friendly with Sweden.

Celtic midfielder Jackie McNamara, who captained Scotland in the absence of the injured Barry Ferguson, echoed the views of team-mates talking before the game that they would welcome the appointment of Burns.

"People might say I am biased as I have worked under him at Celtic, but I know he gets the best out of his players," said McNamara.

"People not at the game against Sweden might think it was a hammering, but it was not like that."