Tommy Burns said he would focus on his job at Celtic

Burns, 50, who was Smith's number two with Scotland, has left his role to concentrate on his job at Celtic.

"I found it a bit disappointing that no contact was made by the SFA after Walter Smith left the Scotland job," Burns told the Daily Record.

"I didn't want to be number two to a third Scotland manager."

The SFA has drawn up a shortlist of potential candidates for the vacant post.

Celtic's chief executive (Peter Lawwell) and (manager) Gordon Strachan spoke to me, and told me how much they wanted me to stay with the club Tommy Burns

Burns, who is first-team coach at Celtic and head of youth development, said he would now focus on his job with the SPL club.

"Celtic's chief executive (Peter Lawwell) and (manager) Gordon Strachan spoke to me, and told me how much they wanted me to stay with the club," said Burns.

"Now I look forward to working with Celtic at our new training complex in Lennoxtown."

It is believed Burns, who was also assistant to former Scotland boss Bertie Vogts, was on the shortlist to replace Smith.

SFA chief executive David Taylor said on Thursday that Burns was "a popular and respected figure" with the national side and he thanked him for his efforts.

Alex McLeish is believed to be the SFA's favoured option ahead of Jim Jefferies, Gary McAllister, Craig Levein and Joe Jordan.

Scotland have a B international with Finland next month and face important Euro 2008 qualifiers with Georgia and Italy in March.