Levein set to discover Scotland fate

02 November 2012 19:47

Scotland manager Craig Levein expects to find out next week if he will continue in the job following the country's poor start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Scotland's chances of getting to Brazil 2014 are hanging by a thread as they sit bottom of their qualifying group with two points from four matches.

Levein met Scottish Football Association chief executive Stewart Regan and president Campbell Ogilvie this week to discuss his position.

And on Wednesday, working as a pundit on BBC Scotland during coverage of a cup tie between his former clubs Dundee United and Hearts, Levein said: "I had a chat with Stewart Regan and Campbell Ogilvie and I'll find out one way or the other early next week.

"The squad for the Luxembourg game will be named on Tuesday and there will be an announcement before then.

"I'm hugely proud to be Scotland manager and want to continue doing the job."

Scotland face Luxembourg in an away friendly on November 14 and do not have another qualifier until they face Wales on March 22.

Reports have said sacking Levein could cost the SFA up to £700,000 ($1.12 million).

Levein, who took charge in December 2009, was already under pressure after Scotland drew their opening Hampden Park qualifiers against Serbia and Macedonia, and a double defeat by Wales and Belgium.

Former Scotland defender Levein has won just three of his 12 competitive matches in charge of the national side.

But he won some support from Rangers manager Ally McCoist, who said the uncertainty surrounding Scotland was no good to either the players or Levein.

"In many ways, you could argue, it's just been a little bit unfair what's happening, the uncertainty if you like," said McCoist.

"I've known Craig for a long, long time," the former Scotland striker added. "We played against each other on numerous occasions.

"We obviously talk, if not on a regular basis, but we certainly talk in terms of international games and players and things like that.

"The one thing that managers do have is they have a bond in the respect that we are aware of each other's positions and how frail and uncomfortable they can be at times.

"So of course I sympathise."

Source: AFP