George Burley's Southampton are struggling in the Championship

Burley said: "About 500 people have been linked with the job. If you have a Scottish accent, you've got a chance.

"But any opportunity to manage the national team is something I'd be interested in."

Paul Lambert, Graeme Souness, Billy Davies and Mark McGhee have all said they would be interested in taking over from former boss Alex McLeish.

And former Coventry City boss Gary McAllister, who has ruled himself out of the running, told The Sun that his fellow former international midfielder, Souness, is the ideal man for the job vacated by Alex McLeish.

"Graeme Souness is a guy who has had a fantastic playing career," said McAllister, who was interviewed for the job along with McLeish when the Scottish FA was looking for a successor to Walter Smith.

If Kenny Dalglish wanted the role, it would be seen by everybody as a good choice Gretna head coach Davie Irons

"He's been a successful manager and he's been at a different array of clubs.

"He's gained such widespread experience.

"He's been at high-profile clubs and he's been at places where it's been tough.

"So you have to say he's got all the requirements you need to go into international management.

"I think it's very important for a manager to be able to walk into a dressing-room and have the presence and stature to gain instant player-respect.

"Our last two managers had it in abundance and it showed on the park."

Gretna head coach Davie Irons told the Daily Record that another former Liverpool boss, Kenny Dalglish, would be an ideal candidate.

"He is a hero all over the country," Irons said of the former Scotland forward.

"He was a great player and also did fine things as a team manager.

"He has the respect of everyone in the game, can boast great contacts and is a very knowledgeable man.

"If he wanted the role, it would be seen by everybody as a good choice."

MY SPORT: DEBATE Kenny, being Kenny, is trying not to give much away phoenix12006

Irons was not surprised that Motherwell's McGhee had emerged as one of the favourites.

But McGhee himself was playing that down, despite having been recommended by McLeish to SFA chief executive Gordon Smith.

"A lot of the papers at the weekend had me favourite, but that's a bit surprising and I don't really buy that," said the former Wolves, Leicester and Brighton boss.

"Put it this way, no-one in my family has bet on me.

"The idea of going to a World Cup with the national team at some stage is something that would be interesting.

"But, if they come round this time, I'll be surprised.

"All I can say is I'm quite flattered to be included at that level and what's really important for me is that Alex gave me his vote."