Former Rangers boss Ally McCoist has admitted he would find it difficult to reject the opportunity to manage Scotland if the national team came calling.
Although he has spent more than a decade away from coaching, the football icon says representing his country remains a special prospect that cannot easily be dismissed.
The comments come as the Scottish Football Association searches for a new head coach following Steve Clarke’s departure after Scotland failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Search for Clarke’s Successor Gathers Pace
With the national team looking ahead to a new era, officials are reportedly assessing several high-profile candidates to lead Scotland into the next European Championship cycle.
A number of experienced managers have already been linked with the vacancy, including Roberto Martinez, Rafa Benitez and Graeme Souness, as the governing body weighs up its options before making a decision.
McCoist Says Serving Scotland Is Hard to Refuse
Speaking during an interview with talkSPORT, McCoist acknowledged that he is uncertain whether his opportunity to become Scotland manager has already passed.
However, he stressed that the chance to represent his country is something few people would willingly turn down.
The 63-year-old noted that Scotland’s supporters have reconnected with the national team in recent years, creating an atmosphere that would appeal to any manager.
He believes there is renewed optimism around the squad and hopes that momentum continues into qualification for the next UEFA European Championship, which will be staged across the home nations.
McCoist also expressed confidence that Scotland has a realistic chance of securing qualification if the team maintains its recent progress.
Fond Memories of His Previous Scotland Role
Although McCoist has not managed a club since leaving Rangers in December 2014, he previously enjoyed a successful spell within Scotland’s coaching staff.
Between 2004 and 2007, he served as assistant coach under the late Walter Smith alongside Tommy Burns.
Looking back on that period, McCoist described it as one of the most rewarding experiences of his career, praising both colleagues for their leadership and recalling how well the national team performed during their time together.
Television Success Has Not Ended Coaching Ambitions
Since stepping away from management, McCoist has become one of Britain’s most recognisable football broadcasters, earning widespread praise for his work as a television and radio pundit.
Despite building a successful media career, his latest remarks suggest he has not completely ruled out a return to the dugout if the right opportunity were to arise.
John McGlynn Emerges as a Strong Candidate
McCoist also shared his thoughts on other potential contenders for the Scotland job, revealing that Falkirk manager John McGlynn is believed to be under serious consideration.
He praised McGlynn as a hardworking and honest football coach, pointing to Falkirk’s impressive performances last season as evidence of his managerial ability.
McCoist suggested Scotland could do far worse than appointing the experienced coach, while admitting there is no obvious standout candidate currently available.
He added that Derek McInnes would likely have been the leading choice had he not recently accepted the Rangers managerial position, leaving the race for Scotland’s top job wide open.
