Former Villa boss Alex McLeish eyes Scotland job

McLeish was relieved of his duties at Villa Park at the end of last season after a poor campaign in which the claret and blues accumulated their lowest ever points total in the Premier League.

The Glaswegian enjoyed a relatively successful spell in charge of Scotland in which they just missed out on qualification for Euro 2008 despite a famous win over France in Paris.

McLeish, who crossed the Second City divide from bitter rivals Birmingham City in June 2011 to take up the job at Villa, is second favourite with bookmakers for the role behind former Coventry boss Gordon Strachan.

Walter Smith, who was linked with the Wolves job when Mick McCarthy was sacked in February, is also in the running along with ex-Bolton boss Owen Coyle and Joe Jordan.

Levein was sacked last night after he guided Scotland to just three wins in his 12 competitive matches in charge having replaced fellow former international George Burley in 2009. Scotland Under-21 coach Billy Stark will take caretaker charge of the senior side for next week's friendly away to Luxembourg.

while the Scottish FA conduct their search for Levein's successor.

SFA chief executive Stewart Regan said: "We have taken this decision with real sadness. Craig has worked hard to bring success, and has been thoroughly professional in his approach to the job.

"He has achieved a great deal with the team in other areas, such as the performance strategy. However, he would be the first to agree that football is a results-driven business.

"The challenge for the squad now is to improve our position in Group A and, subsequently, improve our position in the FIFA rankings.

"We also must begin preparations for the European Championships in France in 2016, which for the first time will have 24 qualification places available."