Tuesday 14 November 2017 15:59, UK
Andy Walker believes Paul Lambert could succeed as Scotland's next manager- provided he gives home-based youth players a chance at international level.
Gordon Strachan left the position last month after almost five years in charge and was often accused of relying too much on the same players, many of them well into their 30s.
Interim manager Malky Mackay introduced several new faces in last week's 1-0 friendly defeat to the Netherlands, with the experiment deemed a success as the majority impressed.
Lambert - out of work since he left Wolves in May - took the same route to success as a player many of those hoping to establish themselves now are seeking and Walker thinks that could work in his favour.
He told Premier League Daily: "We do have some good talented young players. With a bit of good coaching - and you already see that with Brendan Rodgers at Celtic - there would be improvement.
"You see that in James Forrest and Callum McGregor. Kieran Tierney is a standout for everyone. He's only 20 and captained the national side the other night against the Netherlands.
"The likes of Ryan Jack had a game at right-back. It's not his best position but I thought he showed up well. Ryan Christie showed up well in midfield.
"Whoever the new manager is has to be aware of what we've actually got on our doorstep. I'd like them to be based in Scotland and to have a good knowledge of the Scottish Premiership.
"Paul Lambert is out of work and I think he's someone who could do the job. He started off at St Mirren and eventually became a Champions League winner with Borussia Dortmund.
"He knows the pathway to succeed and become a better player and we do have some talent at home.
"I think it's time they were given an opportunity - as Malky Mackay gave them - as I don't think they let anyone down."
Walker is surprised Mackay, whose usual role is as the SFA's performance director, is not being considered for the position.
With a lack of obvious options, he thinks the association may have to consider ways of making the job more attractive in order to attract a higher calibre replacement for Strachan.
Walker added: "It's a really difficult appointment just now. Malky did have the qualities to do it but he's not going to get it.
"I honestly don't know who it will be. You have to remember it's a salary of around £500,000 so you're in a market where there's a certain pitch.
"I don't know if they want to go down the route the Republic of Ireland did a few years ago where they got a benefactor in and topped up the salary beyond maybe £1m a year."
