Smith was in charge of Scotland for just over two years
Walter Smith has warned Craig Levein that he will miss day-to-day dealings with players, if the Dundee United boss becomes the next Scotland manager.
However, Smith insists the intensity of international football is what makes the job so special.
Levein will meet the Scottish Football Association to discuss the possibility of succeeding George Burley.
And Rangers manager Smith said: "It's a bit of a frustration, I don't think there's any doubt about that."
Levein said he "100%" wants to take charge of his country but has to be convinced now is the right time for him to do so.
And, at 45-years-old, the Tannadice boss may want to remain involved at club level.
"You turn up on the Monday morning and you've got no staff, you've got no players, after having a fortnight of involvement," said Smith, drawing on his experience in the Scotland hot-seat for just over two years.
"But it's only a little bit of frustration, it's not a major thing.
"If things are going okay, you don't think about it too much.
The intensity you work under for a fortnight more than makes up for a lot of the other things that are a downside
Walter Smith
"It's when things aren't going too well and you wish you had a situation where you could get back in and get started on a more day-to-day basis.
"It's different from what you've been used to, that's the thing.
"You're involved seven days a week. Then you find yourself in a circumstance where that's not the case.
"The intensity you work under for a fortnight more than makes up for a lot of the other things that are a downside."
Smith left the Scotland post to return for a second spell at Rangers in January 2007 and has repeatedly ruled out a return to international level.
Last week, Smith described Levein as a "natural" candidate for the Scotland job and several other managers have voiced their backing for the former Hearts and Leicester boss.
Burnley's Owen Coyle has joined the chorus of approval, saying: "Craig is doing a fantastic job and has a host of qualities.
"He would be the first to admit he did it on the back of his disappointment at Leicester. He has shown with all his abilities his mental resolve to come through that disappointment.
"He has elevated Dundee United to a nice position. They have been in the mix at the top end. He has attributes to take Scotland on, no doubt about it."
And, despite a dismal, failed World Cup qualifying campaign under the guidance of Burley, Coyle believes Scotland can make progress with a good coach at the helm.
"I think there is a very good nucleus of young players at Scotland's disposal that could really elevate the nation and get them back to doing what they do best," added the Turf Moor boss.
"That is punching above their weight and qualifying for major championships and World Cups.
"Scotland need the right man to come in and lead that group of players. If they do that, then that goal could be achieved.".
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Bookmark with:
What are these?