Coyle open to Scotland talks

Owen Coyle has revealed he would be eager to hold talks over the vacant Scotland manager’s job.

The 46-year-old is currently out of work having been sacked by Bolton in October, while the Scotland job is available after the Scottish Football Association dismissed Craig Levein earlier this week.

Though the Scot chose to represent the Republic of Ireland at international level, after qualifying through descent, Coyle turned out for a number of Scottish teams throughout his playing career.

But he has now suggested that he would like to lead out his home country in a different way, insisting there is enough quality in the squad to be optimistic about the future.

“I’m always open to hearing what someone has to say,” he told BBC Radio Scotland when asked if he was interested in the position.

“It’s a great job, that’s for sure, a fantastic job for whoever’s lucky enough to be asked to lead Scotland.

“I’ve already turned down a couple of approaches down here but I’ve listened to what people have had to say.

“For me, the next thing has to be the right fit in terms of matching the same ambition as I have. There’s no doubt there’s a good squad of players there.”

Under Levein, Scotland managed to record just two points from their opening four World Cup qualifiers.

Although the 48-year-old’s misfortune may see Coyle given the job, the former Burnley boss offered his sympathy to his countryman, highlighting the results-driven nature of the game.

“My first thoughts are with Craig, as I get on very well with Craig,” Coyle said. “I think we all understand how that works in football, and I wish him well for his speedy return to the game.

“I think Scotland are very fortunate that there’s many fantastic candidates capable of doing that job.”

Other names linked with the post include former Celtic manager Gordon Strachan, who said he would be honoured to take charge, as well as former Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish.