Smith refused permission to talk to Gers

Scotland manager Walter Smith has been refused permission to speak to Rangers after a meeting with the Scottish Football Association on Monday.

Smith and Ally McCoist were expected to take over at Ibrox following the departure of Paul Le Guen last week.

But SFA chief executive David Taylor said: "Following contact from Rangers Football Club, we held a meeting this morning with Walter Smith. At this meeting Walter asked to be relieved of his contract as national team manager for Scotland. This request has been refused and Rangers Football Club have been advised accordingly."