Smith backs move for O’Neill

Former Scottish FA chief executive Gordon Smith has backed the governing body’s bid to make Michael O’Neill the next Scotland manager.

Smith was responsible for appointing two bosses during his spell in charge at Hampden, with George Burley and Craig Levein going on to spend ill-fated stints at the helm.

But the former Kilmarnock, Rangers and Brighton attacker believes O’Neill is the right man for the job this time round, because of his record with Northern Ireland and his connection to Scotland.

O’Neill, who played for Dundee United and Hibs and began his coaching career with Cowdenbeath and Brechin City, lives in Edinburgh and regularly attends Scottish matches.

With the SFA set to hold talks with O’Neill this week after agreeing a deal with their Northern Irish counterparts, Smith said: “I think he’s a very strong candidate. He knows the environment very well, he knows what’s required.

“If you look at what he’s done for Northern Ireland with limited resources, I know he’s got some good players in the squad, but I do think in general Scotland have got a stronger squad of players overall than Northern Ireland have and yet he’s been successful.

“He took them to the European Championships, (was) very unlucky in the World Cup run as well and I think he’s done a great job.

“He’s built his reputation up on that and he’s very highly rated, highly respected by the people who have been involved with him, in terms of players and the supporters of Northern Ireland.”

Snith added: “A lot of people would say it has to be a Scottish manager but the thing about it is he has a good connection to Scotland.

“He’s managed in Scotland, he’s played his football here so he knows the game in Scotland.

“It’s not as if we’re bringing in an outsider. He’s very much acquainted with the game here.

“It’s just a question of whether he feels this is the right time for him to move on from the Northern Ireland job.”