Tommy Burns In Boss Talks With SFA

Jan 20 2008 By Mark Guidi

Tommy Burns

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TOMMY BURNS has held talks with the SFA in the past 48 hours and is still a serious candidate for the Scotland job.

It had been rumoured that Burns refused to be interviewed for the post and had withdrawn his interest.

But MailSport understands the Celtic games and I hope the Scotland fans understand my reasons for leaving.

"I had a passion to get back to day-to-day football.

"I hope my decision did not offend supporters and I hope none of them totally disagreed with it.

"I will never forget the energy and support created by the nation during the Euro 2008 campaign."

McLeish also insists his successor will inherit a fantastic group of players.

He said: "There's the ones who have broken through such as Scott Brown, Alan Hutton and Stephen McManus and the likes of Barry Ferguson, who is like the 'daddy' of the kids and only 29.

"There's talent in the team and a chance to do something.

"However, the level of expectation is now higher and that adds pressure. The draw wasn't too bad but it is not going to be easy."