Source: Team_Talk
Levein: Scotland job is big enough
The Scottish Football Association have seen both Walter Smith and Alex McLeish walk away from the post under such circumstances in recent years.[LNB]But Levein, who quit Dundee United this week to take charge of his country, told BBC Radio Scotland: "I did not take this job as a stepping stone.[LNB]"There is no bigger carrot than being the Scotland manager and qualifying for the European Championship."[LNB]Levein inherits a squad that failed to reach next summer's World Cup under George Burley, gleaning just 10 points from eight games in a group that was looked upon as one of the easiest of the UEFA sections.[LNB]But the 45-year-old is confident his players are capable of ending Scotland's long wait, dating back to 1998, for a major championships.[LNB]"The players have more to come, I'm sure of that," he said.[LNB]"I look at the players we have available and, assuming everybody's fit, I think we have a reasonable team with plenty of energy and one or two old heads.[LNB]"I'm excited at the prospect of working with the lads and we'll see what we can do.[LNB]"I don't want to make any wild predictions, but my aim is to try and get Scotland to the Euros (in 2012)."[LNB]Levein will have to wait for March 3 and a friendly with the Czech Republic at Hampden to get his first taste of international management but he hopes to make the most of the long build-up.[LNB]"What I plan on doing over the next six weeks is getting around the major clubs in Scotland and several in England, having a chat with managers and players to build up a rapport as quickly as possible," he said.[LNB]"I'd like to get to meet everyone before naming my first squad and that means getting around the training grounds in the UK."[LNB]Burley's naive insistence Scotland could outplay most of their opponents was one thing that led to his downfall.[LNB]Levein, whose approach at club level has always been more pragmatic, would not be drawn on his own tactical thinking at international level.[LNB]"I have not decided on any system in advance," he said.[LNB]"I will have a look at the players and I will choose a style which is best for picking up points.[LNB]"Players take confidence from results and we can pick things up from there."[LNB]Levein reiterated his desire to work with Barry Ferguson, Kris Boyd and Allan McGregor, who became exiled from the Scotland squad under Burley.[LNB]"I'd be really stupid to rule out any of our players," he said.[LNB]He also stressed Hearts winger Andrew Driver, eligible for Scotland and England, would be a welcome addition and said he was working on the appointment of a full-time chief scout who will concentrate fully on Scotland's future opponents.[LNB][LNB]
