World NewsLaszlo Open to Scotland Talks |
Csaba Laszlo today revealed he would be prepared to talk to the Scottish Football Association about taking the Scotland job.
Hearts boss Laszlo is one of a host managers who have been linked with the vacancy following George Burley's sacking on Monday.Laszlo insisted he was fully committed to the Jambos and would only speak to the SFA with the permission of the club.
He said: "If there's the possibility to be the manager of a country - it's indifferent which country - it must be a big honour for every coach and for every manager.
"If somebody comes to the club and asks for permission to discuss with me, okay we can discuss, definitely.
"To be the manager of a country, this is always the highest you can reach.
"I had the honour to train Hungary and even Uganda and, definitely, I had the feeling of what it took to train a country."
Former Hibernian boss John Collins was one of the first to openly declare an interest in the job.
He added today: "I was asked the question by the radio on Monday morning when I was caught on the hop.
"I was asked if I would be interested and I said, 'Of course I would'.
"It's the SFA's job to decide who will be the manager of Scotland.
"I gave an honest answer when I said I would interested but if you're asking if I sent my application away, or if I am expecting a phone call, the answer is no."
Paul Hegarty, who lost his job as one of Burley's assistant less than two months after being appointed, said: "Maybe I was a bit naive, but I thought we would get to March and the Czech Republic game and build on it.
"It was only on the Sunday/Monday that things started to accelerate and I thought there could be repercussions.
"I was upset for George; no-one likes to see anyone lose their job.
"I've lost my job, too, but I have to compliment (SFA chief) Gordon Smith on the way he handled things because he phoned me at tea-time on the Monday to explain the situation and those phone calls are never easy to make."
Ally McCoist believes there is still talent within the Scotland ranks and told the SFA they must appoint a manager who can get the best out of the players.
He said: "Obviously it's a testing time for the national team, things haven't gone according to plan as George wanted. That goes without saying.
"It's important the boys at the SFA get the right man.
"Speaking as a supporter, it's high time we started to get back on a level keel.
"The last few games have been disappointing to say the least.
"I don't really go along with the theory that we don't have the players anymore.
"It goes without saying that we don't have a Souness or Dalglish but there are certainly players in the squad to pick us up."
McCoist made 61 appearances for Scotland and was also part of Walter Smith's backroom staff with the national team.
But the Rangers assistant manager is unlikely to throw his hat into the ring for the Scotland job.
When asked if he would be interested in the position, he replied: "It would be nice to be asked before you turn it down."
Copyright (c) 2009 Press Association
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