**Jim Jefferies says he is flattered to be linked with the Scotland manager’s job but has not made it clear whether he wants to succeed George Burley.**The Kilmarnock manager is among the early favourites to take over from Burley, who was sacked after winning just three of his 14 games in charge.
Dundee United boss Craig Levein and Walter Smith of Rangers are the other names being linked to the vacant post.
“I have been linked and (it is) very flattering,” said Jefferies.
“The day I’ll comment on anything like that is the day I get asked, and then I’ll be able to say yes or no.”
The former Falkirk and Hearts manager, who has been in charge at Rugby Park since 2002, has expressed sympathy for Burley, who was sacked in the wake of a dreadful 3-0 friendly defeat in Wales.
“It’s about qualifying and getting the points and not losing, because they’ve not got the same quality as a lot of the nations”
Jim Jefferies,
Kilmarnock manager
“George would try 100%, he’s a very passionate man,” said the 58-year-old. “Unfortunately for him, it didn’t work out and he’s had to face the consequences.”
The Killie boss also suggested that a pragmatic route was the best way forward for the next Scotland manager.
“The one thing I’ve always said with Scotland is, ‘It’s not how you play,’” he continued.
"People travel and spend a lot of money to see the team get a result. Because they don’t play every week, it doesn’t matter how they play.
"It’s about qualifying and getting the points and not losing, because they’ve not got the same quality as a lot of the nations.
“If you open up a bit thinking you’re going to entertain at that level, if you’ve not got the quality, it can be a problem.”
Rangers manager Smith was quizzed about a possible return to international duty in September, following Scotland’s failure to reach the World Cup play-off places.
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Having left Scotland for a second stint at Ibrox in January 2007, Smith said that he could not see himself going back to the national team.
However, his future at Rangers remains unclear, with his contract due to expire in January.
Levein has been installed as the favourite by several bookmakers but has had something of a frosty relationship with the Scottish Football Association.
The Dundee United boss has been critical of the organisation on several occasions.
Graeme Souness, who lost out to Burley in the interview process last time, has already told BBC Scotland he has no interest in returning to any job in football management.
Souness has questioned the quality of the Scotland’s players but defender Stephen Caldwell insists the team are good enough to qualify for Euro 2012 under the right manager.
“Whoever comes in will know that the group of players are probably a little bit low on confidence but can achieve memorable results because we have done in the last four years,” Caldwell told BC Radio 5 live.
“Hopefully, we can get something going again, get the country behind us and try to qualify for a major championship in a long time.”