McAllister backs Souness

Gary McAllister is backing Graeme Souness to be the next Scotland manager.

McAllister lost out to Alex McLeish when Walter Smith quit last year but says he would now prefer a return to club management, and former skipper McAllister, capped 57 times, believes Souness would be the ideal replacement for McLeish.

"He just ticks all of the boxes for me," he told the Scottish Sun. "I think it's very important for a manager to be able to walk into the dressing room and have the presence and stature to gain instant player respect."

He added: "Alex McLeish and Walter Smith had it and I feel it's important Scotland pick someone with the same qualities.

"Graeme certainly hasn`t ruled himself out. He's definitely got the stature while he's also got the experience with regards to dealing with the media.

"But the big thing for me is respect. Who can say Graeme hasn't been there, seen it and done it? He has."