Calls for McLeish to remain Scotland boss

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond has added his voice to the calls for Alex McLeish to remain the national side's football coach.

McLeish took the Tartan Army to within touching distance of qualifying for next summer's Euro 2008 finals.

And Mr Salmond is hoping that he will remain Scotland manager despite the undoubted temptation of returning to club management.

The First Minister said: "It's not for me to run the SFA but I would be delighted if Alex stays on as manager. He is doing a fantastic job. I was in the dressing room before the game against Italy on Saturday and it was fascinating to watch him.

"Players don't need to be motivated for a match like that, but Alex still went about his business in a professional manner. The whole squad looked together and that was fantastic.

"Alex's carries himself extremely well and clearly has the respect of the team - it would be great if he could continue and take us to the World Cup."

Former Rangers and Scotland captain Richard Gough believes Scottish Football Association (SFA) bosses should come up with the money to keep hold of McLeish, who ensured the team built on the platform carved out under predecessor Walter Smith.

Gough, who is under no illusions as to McLeish's importance to the team, said: "There's a new regime here (at the SFA) so I hope Gordon (Smith, chief executive) pushes the boat out for Alex, at least financially, to give him something to think about.

"I know Alex is very patriotic but he is still young and may rather have the day-to-day involvement of a club job. But maybe if the SFA push out the boat with a big salary he will stick it out.

"I hope he stays but I'd wish him well whatever he does. There's newspaper reports saying he might go back and take a club job. But I hope he stays with the Scotland team as the continuity would be good."

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