George Burley has been confirmed as Scotland manager and admitted he did not think he would ever get the job.

The former Hearts and Ipswich boss left Southampton to fill the vacancy left when Alex McLeish quit at the end of the Euro 2008 qualification campaign.

Burley said: "As a manager it's a great honour. It's something you want to do, given the opportunity. I never thought it would ever happen.

"When Scotland showed interest there were so many outstanding candidates with huge experience. It's something I'm really looking to. I feel I'm ready for it."

Burley has signed a contract until the end of the 2012 European Championships but his first aim will be to lead the team to the World Cup in South Africa in 2010.

His first game in charge will be friendly against Croatia on March 26.

Burley added: "This job gives the opportunity to try to do something, to try to get to the World Cup finals, and as a manager you couldn't ask for more than that. There are tingles going through me of excitement, thinking about it.

"The previous managers have done absolutely tremendously. Everyone remembers the last game where it was so close to qualifying. Now the dream is to qualify for the World Cup."

It is believed Mark McGhee, Graeme Souness and Tommy Burns were also on the Scottish Football Association's shortlist for the job.

Burley said: "I've got a fair bit of success with clubs, not spending a great deal of money but bringing the best out of players - man-management and I'll say let's go for it, give it our best shot.

"Thanks to the SFA. The candidates were so many, I was surprised to get the job but maybe they saw something that will help Scotland."

© Independent Television News Limited 2009. All rights reserved.