Davies says he would commit to the Scotland cause

Davies was sacked by Derby County on Monday, the same week Alex McLeish left his post as manager of the national team to take over at Birmingham City.

"I would be prepared to devote five years of my life to the team," Davies told the Daily Record.

"It's important the SFA and fans are shown a level of commitment."

Former Motherwell and Preston manager Davies guided Derby into the Barclays Premier League but departed with the club at the foot of the table.

The job needs a man who's seen it, done it and bought the t-shirt Billy Davies

And McLeish's departure from the Scotland job has seen a string of out-of-work managers linked with the job although former Scotland midfielder Gary McAllister has ruled himself out.

"I was flattered and proud to hear my name mentioned in connection with the job and the next manager has to be a long-term appointment," Davies added.

"I wouldn't be put off by the nine-month wait for our next competitive match, because I don't believe the national manager's job begins and ends with the national team.

"There should be an input into youth development and coaching courses as part of the commitment to your country before all else.

"I also believe the SFA are going down the right road by saying the next manager should be Scottish."

MY SPORT: DEBATE Would Billy Davies be the right choice for Scotland boss?

McLeish joined predecessor Walter Smith in returning to club football after short spells at the Scotland helm.

"I'm an admirer of what Walter and Alex did with the national team and I'm in no way blaming them for returning to club football," he said.

"They have left a very good squad of players behind who have put pride back in the country.

"The job needs a man who's seen it, done it and bought the t-shirt, but you don't need to have played international football to do the job and age is immaterial.