Gemmill knows he is not ready for a top job yet

SEEING his name emerge as the bookmakers’ favourite to replace Gordon Strachan as Scotland manager proved a flattering experience for Scot Gemmill.

A success story at youth level, for the past four years his Under-17s have qualified for their version of the European Championship finals, and, on one occasion, reached the last four.

Last year, Gemmill coached his Under-20s to victory against Brazil — whom Scotland had never previously beaten at any level — at the prestigious Toulon tournament.

And half the squad called up by Malky Mackay for November’s full international against Holland had worked with Gemmill on their way through the national youth teams.

But the 47-year-old, who won 26 full caps for Scotland, accepts that his profile is not quite high enough — yet — for the top post.

He is happy to remain in situ and further burnish his reputation while nurturing the best of the Scottish youth talent — hopefully, on their way into the A squad now managed for a second time by Alex McLeish.

‘I was very flattered (to be linked with the Scotland post),’ said Gemmill. ‘Hopefully, it shows that the work I have done at youth-team level is recognised in some way.

‘But I would have to say that my profile is not high. I’m not perceived that way right now but I’m working very hard to help the young players.

‘There are very, very few coaches in the world — literally a handful — who can choose where they work. I’m not one of them right now.

‘Everybody wants the national team to do well. They (the SFA) have made their decision and now everybody is trying to help the manager and staff achieve that.

‘I think I’ve got a great job. I really do. I’m more appreciative of my job now than ever before.

‘To work with the best young players in the country, is a really good job. I’m really fortunate in that way. I’m delighted with it. I’m really looking forward to carrying on.’

The elevation of Swansea attacker Oli McBurnie and Aberdeen defender Scott McKenna to the full squad for friendlies against Costa Rica and Hungary means Gemmill must do without them for the UEFA Under-21 qualifier in Andorra on March 23.

Others such as Hearts defender John Souttar and Rangers midfielder Greg Docherty may yet follow them into the full squad but Gemmill would have no complaints.

‘If you get these opportunities, it’s about showing that you can take them and Oli has done enough for the Scotland manager to select him, so that’s brilliant for everybody,’ he added. ‘I have to be honest and say I didn’t expect Scott McKenna to develop as quickly as he has, but it’s worked out well for everybody. ‘Alex McLeish has already shown a real interest in the Scotland youth teams. Not only the Under-21s, but the Under-19s and the Under-17s. He has indicated he is prepared to dig deep and will attend games. ‘Could there have been more Under-21 players up in the A-squad? Absolutely, and don’t think for a minute that I could have stopped that.

‘It’s the nature of the beast. That is why the Scotland Under-21 squad exists, doesn’t it? To try to get players ready to play for the full team. So there will be no complaints in that regard. Not at all.’

Peter Grant’s elevation from coaching the Under-21s to assisting McLeish with the full squad has seen former Dundee United and Falkirk boss Peter Houston come in to aid Gemmill.

Gemmill said: ‘We’ve been lucky to work with Peter Grant these past 12 months but it’s brilliant for the players to have Peter Houston come in to help them improve and maximise their potential.’