Gary McAllister has rejected the opportunity to join George Burley’s coaching staff as he targets a return to football at club level.

The former Leeds and Liverpool midfielder, who won 57 caps for Scotland, had been offered the part-time position vacated by Steven Pressley last week.

But with rumours he is set to be offered a job in England, McAllister has turned down the chance to join forces with Burley and Scotland.

"Firstly, it goes without saying that I was flattered to be asked by George during what was an informal chat last week," McAllister said.

"But to be honest, at this stage of my coaching career, I think it is more important to hold out for a full-time job at club level.

"I don't really want to elaborate on that because of the sensitive nature of the situation but I have a great deal of respect for George Burley and when he asked me to have a chat about it, I was keen to hear what he had to say about the role.

"As a former Scotland captain, I would have been immensely proud and honoured to have worked with the international set-up again and try to get the country into a major championship final again.

"I have a couple of irons in the fire down here (in England) and the major attraction is that they are full-time posts so I had to bear that in mind. I wish George all the best for the future."