Craig Levein and Walter Smith are the early favourites to take the Scotland manager’s job after George Burley’s sacking on Monday.

The Scottish FA lost patience with the former Ipswich manager after a dismal record at the helm of just three wins from his 14 games in charge.

A 3-0 capitulation against Wales in Cardiff last weekend proved to be the final nail in the coffin for Burley but the decision was barely even made before the bookies made their predictions.

Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson has already issued a hands off statement over the club’s longest serving manager Levein.

"I don't want Craig going anywhere. He's the club's longest-serving manager since Jim McLean and, while Craig's an ambitious man, I'd love to still have him here five or 10 years from now," said Thompson.

"I want the best for my club and we want to hold onto the management team in place. I have huge respect for Craig as a person and a manager and all I really want is for him to remain as our manager.

"Hopefully the SFA find someone else for the job."

Levein leads the way with odds of 11-4 while Rangers boss Smith is at 7-2. Next comes Jim Jefferies at 4-1, Jimmy Calderwood 6-1 and Gary McAllister 10-1.