Somebody up there likes me
ALEX McLEISH believes fate played its part in him becoming Scotland manager for the second time after first-choice candidate Michael O’Neill turned down the job.
O’Neill decided to remain in charge of Northern Ireland, with McLeish happy to get another chance. “I see it as a bit of fate,” said the former Scotland defender, 59, who had a 10-game stint in charge of the national team in 2007.
“I see that it was meant to happen and I have to make the most of that. Michael turned it down and you think, ‘Oh wait a minute, it’s not over yet’.
“When Michael went in for talks you think he is going to take it because it is, after all, a fantastic job and we are a fantastic nation – and Michael lives in this country. But he turned it down for his own reasons and that gave me a chance.”
McLeish’s appointment is not overwhelmingly popular, with some of the Tartan Army still unhappy that his first stint ended when he walked away to take over at Birmingham.
However the former Rangers manager, who will now prepare for friendlies against Costa Rica and Hungary next month, believes he can win them over.
“Sometimes I thought it would it never happen again for me because of leaving and the circumstances,” said McLeish. “I understand the divide of some of the supporters but I feel I’m the right man.
“I have to prove them wrong and the only way I can do that is by getting this team winning.”