Rangers boss Ally McCoist has expressed sympathy for Craig Levein and the ongoing uncertainty he faces over his position as Scotland manager.
Press Association Sport understands the Scottish Football Association will continue deliberating on Levein's future over the weekend. Levein had previously revealed he would discover early next week whether he would keep his job after a poor start to the World Cup qualifying campaign, and it looks like an announcement will be made on Monday.
McCoist said: "In many ways, you could argue, it's just been a little bit unfair what's happening, the uncertainty if you like."
He added: "I've known Craig for a long, long time. 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."
The SFA's seven-man board want more time to consider the implications of sacking Levein, whose contract runs until summer 2014. Reports claim sacking Levein now could cost the SFA up to £700,000.
Levein's job is under threat as Scotland sit bottom of their qualifying group with two points from four matches. Qualification for Brazil 2014 already looks an insurmountable task and Levein met SFA chief executive Stewart Regan and president Campbell Ogilvie this week to discuss his position.
While appearing as a pundit on BBC Scotland's coverage of the cup tie between his former clubs Dundee United and Hearts on Wednesday night, 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 hosting Wales on March 22.
Source: PA
