Dundee United boss Craig Levein has emerged as the favourite for the Scotland job – but is remaining tight-lipped about the prospect of replacing George Burley.

Levein is the bookmakers favourite to step into the national post, vacated when Burley was sacked earlier this week.

But the ex-Leicester City boss is contracted at Tannadice until 2012 and he is refusing to throw his name into the hat.

“I don’t want to talk about something that might or might not happen,” said Levein. “I get paid by Dundee United to do a job here.

“For me to make comments on speculation is really disrespectful. I think it’s an honour for anyone who’s patriotic to lead their country. That’s evident.

“But I spoke to the chairman at the beginning of the week and told him I wouldn’t speak about it – what’s the point?”