Source: Team_Talk
Scotland job can be tough - Smith
Dundee United manager Levein will meet the Scottish Football Association to discuss the possibility of succeeding George Burley in the national team hotseat.[LNB]Levein, 45, said on Thursday he "100 per cent" wants to take charge of his country but has to be convinced now is the right time for him to do so.[LNB]Smith was Scotland manager for just over two years before returning to Rangers in January 2007 and today lifted the lid on the difficulties of giving up the day-to-day involvement in the game.[LNB]"It's a bit of a frustration, I don't think there's any doubt about that," said Smith, who last week described Levein as a "natural" candidate for the Scotland job.[LNB]"You turn up on the Monday morning and you've got no staff, you've got no players, after having a fortnight of involvement. But it's only a little bit of frustration, it's not a major thing.[LNB]"If things are going okay, you don't think about it too much. 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."[LNB]Smith, who has repeatedly ruled out a return to the role he quit almost three years ago, added: "It's different from what you've been used to, that's the thing.[LNB]"You're involved seven days a week. Then you find yourself in a circumstance where that's not the case.[LNB]"The intensity you work under for a fortnight more than makes up for a lot of the other things that are a downside."[LNB]Scotland full-back Kirk Broadfoot, who was out injured for the latter stages of Burley's ill-fated reign, claims Levein ticks all the right boxes to land the national team job.[LNB]"I think he's a fantastic manager," the Rangers defender said.[LNB]"The job he's done at Dundee United speaks volumes of the man.[LNB]"Everyone knows how good a team Dundee United are and, quite clearly, he seems to be getting the best out of the players up there.[LNB]"I don't know him personally, but he looks to be a good candidate."[LNB]St Johnstone boss and former Scotland midfielder Derek McInnes said: "I still see the Scotland post as a fantastic job, and a fantastic accolade for whoever is asked to do be manager of Scotland, and Craig is as good as anybody.[LNB]"I would want the Scotland manager to be passionate and Craig is that.[LNB]"He also has great experience, a hunger and drive about him to be a successful manager and there are not too many things you can say against him."[LNB]Burnley manager Owen Coyle believes Craig Levein "has the attributes to take Scotland on".[LNB]Coyle, who moved to Turf Moor from St Johnstone, has kept a close eye on Levein's career and been impressed with his work.[LNB]Levein moved to his current role at United after a brief spell at Raith Rovers following a difficult time in England with Leicester.[LNB]Coyle said: "Craig is doing a fantastic job and has a host of qualities.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"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."[LNB]Glasgow-born Coyle insists Scotland's future can be bright, despite them not qualifying for a major championship since the 1998 World Cup.[LNB]He said: "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.[LNB]"That is punching above their weight and qualifying for major championships and World Cups.[LNB]"Scotland need the right man to come in and lead that group of players. If they do that, then that goal could be achieved."[LNB][LNB]
