Source: Team_Talk
Smith ends talk of Scotland return
Smith has moved to end speculation that he could be in line for a dramatic return to the post he walked away from when he rejoined Rangers back in January 2007.[LNB]With his Ibrox contract set to expire in January, the 61-year-old was quickly installed as one of the bookmaker's favourites when Burley was sacked earlier this week.[LNB]The veteran boss may have no interest in a return to the national team helm but believes Scotland is still a nation with potential and the job is not the poisoned chalice some believe it to be.[LNB]"It is still an attractive job," said Smith.[LNB]"People were saying the same things the last time and we got a group of players together and, in my own mind, they acquitted themselves well.[LNB]"I don't think there has been that huge a change to the group of players since then.[LNB]"I don't really see that as a major problem.[LNB]"I still think Scotland have got a decent level of player to acquit themselves well.[LNB]"You look at the likes of Northern Ireland and the Republic, who have been doing well, and I think Scotland can reach that level."[LNB]Some former managers and players have claimed Burley's desire to play attractive, expansive football ultimately proved to be his downfall.[LNB]Smith, himself, has favoured a more defensive approach with both club and country in the past but refused to be drawn on what went wrong for Burley.[LNB]"It's not for me to go into all the different aspects of what Scotland's problems are," he said.[LNB]"The problem at the moment is that they don't have a manager and they are looking for one and other people have to come up with the answers to that.[LNB]"Hopefully whoever is selected will make a good job. Whoever is going to take over, I wish him the best of luck."[LNB]He also declined to comment on whether the Scottish Football Association should restrict themselves to a Scotsman or cast their net wider in search of their new national team boss.[LNB]Smith said: "Why should I be involved in the selection of a Scotland manager?[LNB]"The people who are in a position to choose the Scotland manager can work out whether they want to go abroad or stay within Scotland.[LNB]"It's up to them. It's nothing to do with me."[LNB]There may still be some uncertainty over Smith's future at Rangers but Ibrox full-back Steven Whittaker welcomed the news he has no plans to quit for a return to Scotland.[LNB]He said: "The manager has played a big part in the success since he came back to the club and the players are delighted it looks like he is going to stay on.[LNB]"His name was always going to be put forward after the job he did before the success he has had here.[LNB]"The players would just have had to deal with whatever decision he made.[LNB]"It's important for the club. We are doing okay at the moment and have had success in previous seasons under him.[LNB]"We are looking to be successful again this season and it's great to have him as manager."[LNB]Craig Levein also emerged as one of the front-runners in the wake of Burley's departure and Whittaker says he would welcome the appointment of the Dundee United boss.[LNB]"I've seen in the papers that his name has been touted about and he has done a great job no matter what team he has been at," said Whittaker, who was capped four times under Burley.[LNB]"It's up to the SFA who they pick and it's about getting behind whoever is going to be in the job and looking forward, rather than looking back."[LNB]Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson admits he has no idea who the SFA will opt for.[LNB]"I couldn't tell you," he said.[LNB]"I don't know what the thoughts are up there. They are going through a difficult period.[LNB]"They have not got the greatest Scotland squad of all time. Hopefully they can do better."[LNB][LNB] Next Permanent Scotland manager Win Special: Collins J 5/1
