01-23-2007, 11:11 AM
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Rep Power: 2  | Scotland poised to secure McLeish
Quote: Former Rangers boss Alex McLeish is likely to be confirmed as the new Scotland manager within the next 48 hours, BBC Sport understands.
McLeish, who turned 47 on Sunday, is now the only name in the frame and - barring unforeseen difficulties - will be in place before the end of the week.
It is thought that Andy Watson, his assistant at Motherwell, Hibernian and Rangers, will join him with Scotland.
And Gary McAllister or Roy Aitken could also be part of the set-up.
Aitken, the former Aston Villa assistant, has been out of football since David O'Leary was axed by the Premiership club.
Former Coventry manager McAllister has voiced his desire to return to football after time out the game following the death of his wife.
He was on the Scottish Football Association's shortlist to succeed Walter Smith as Scotland manager along with Smith's assistant, Tommy Burns.
But McLeish was an early favourite for the job and appears likely to end an eight-month spell out of football management.
BBC Sport understands that he would like McAllister or Aitken to join his management team.
McLeish admitted to BBC Sport that he has already had talks with the SFA.
"I've thrown my hat in the ring and I am sure we will hear soon one way or another," he said.
"I have spoken to the SFA and I'm sure they will be speaking to other candidates.
"Of course it would be fantastic, just the same as it would be for anyone managing their country of origin."
McLeish believes that, if he takes over, he will be inheriting a side in good shape in the European Championship qualification campaign.
"Walter Smith did a fantastic job," he said. "He has moved on and we should applaud what he has done.
"If he was sought after, it's because the international team were doing well.
"We should not be paranoid about losing our manager.
"There are many good coaches around and, if it's not Walter, and I don't get the job, I'm sure whoever gets it will do well.
"But it's still a very difficult task as we should not underestimate the fact that we have both Italy and France away and also Italy at home.
"I'm sure people will still expect France and Italy to top our group, but Walter has laid a good foundation there."
There were a number of other candidates, but the SFA appeared to prefer to avoid paying compensation for a manager presently in a job.
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