Burley set for Scotland job

George Burley is set to be confirmed as Scotland's fifth manager this decade on Thursday.

Where Craig Brown, Berti Vogts, Walter Smith and Alex McLeish have been unable to deliver, Burley will be expected to lead the strongest Scotland team for a generation into a major tournament.

Qualification for the 2010 World Cup will be Burley's target and Scottish Football Association chief executive Gordon Smith believes the 51-year-old can deliver. "George ticked all the boxes," Smith said.

Former Hearts boss Burley was surprisingly chosen above fellow shortlisted candidates Tommy Burns, Mark McGhee and Graeme Souness.

It is understood he gave an outstanding interview, nudging him ahead of Motherwell boss McGhee, former Rangers manager Souness and Burns, the Celtic first-team coach who served as an assistant boss with Scotland to former managers Vogts and Smith.

Smith added: "Personally, I would have been comfortable with all four of the candidates.

"They all had the assets we were looking for and that was a big factor.

"George came out on top because of certain aspects. I'm sure that the Tartan Army will be behind him and see that we get off to a good start and continue the success we have had."

Southampton agreed to release Burley from his contract after negotiating compensation with the SFA.