DAVIS: VITAL THAT WE KEEP MICHAEL

great if he stays but obviously he and a few players have decisions to make and over time they will assess their futures.”

While the prospect of leading Scotland to a first major tournament since the 1998 World Cup in France is tempting, O’neill (above with Davis) boasts a good relationship with the IFA. He has also built up a strong bond with the likes of Davis and other senior players after leading them to the

World Cup play-offs on the back of last summer’s Euro 2016 finals. The former Newcastle United midfielder, who lives in Edinburgh, may also prefer a club project although this won’t deter the SFA. O’neill’s name is also being linked with the vacant USA job as they seek a successor for Bruce Arena who resigned last month after failing to reach the World Cup.

But US Soccer chiefs have a presidential election February so it is unlikely an appointment would be made before then.