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Scotland contenders

Sky Sports takes a look at some of the possible candidates to replace Craig Levein as Scotland coach.

Scotland's poor start to the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign cost Craig Levein his job on Monday following weeks of speculation. With the Scottish Football Association now searching for his successor, Sky Sports takes a look at some of the potential candidates to replace Levein.

GORDON STRACHAN

Interviewed for the job before Walter Smith took over in December 2004 before going on to lead Celtic to three consecutive titles and the last 16 of the Champions League. Has been out of a job since resigning from a poor spell at Middlesbrough but his success at Celtic and international playing career would make him a popular choice among many fans.

ALEX McLEISH

Almost led Scotland to unlikely qualification for Euro 2008 after guiding the team to a famous win in Paris. Was out of a job when he took over in 2007 and quickly left for Birmingham after the campaign ended. But is available again after an uninspiring spell with Aston Villa ended in May.

JOE JORDAN

The only Scot to score at three World Cup finals tournaments is still a hero of the Tartan Army but his last permanent management job ended in 1997, with Bristol City. Jordan has more recently been Harry Redknapp's assistant at Portsmouth and Tottenham.

OWEN COYLE

Recently sacked by relegated Bolton but earned respect for his previous roles at St Johnstone and Burnley along with his handling of Fabrice Muamba's health problems at Wanderers. The Glasgow-born former Airdrie, Dundee United and Motherwell striker represented the Republic of Ireland after being overlooked by Scotland.

WALTER SMITH

Turned around Scotland's fortunes after the turbulent reign of Berti Vogts but his departure for Rangers in the middle of the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, and his cautious tactics, would mean his re-appointment would be greeted less than unanimously. The 64-year-old had already said he would not return to the role before he retired last year.

BILLY DAVIES

The former Motherwell manager has been out of work since June 2011 despite an impressive record in the Championship, where he led Preston, Derby and Nottingham Forest to the play-offs a total of five times, succeeding with County. The former protege of Craig Brown has stated that his reputation as a difficult employee has been exaggerated.

MARK WOTTE

The SFA's performance director is unlikely to be taken away from his crucial task of improving the talent pool in the long term. But the Dutchman could have a significant input into the appointment and possibly lead the SFA to a leftfield candidate.

GRAEME SOUNESS

Another who has previously been interviewed for the post, before George Burley took over in January 2008. His last coaching job, at Newcastle, ended in 2006 and the television pundit would have to rely on his stature as a player and charisma rather than his managerial record, which has been patchy since leaving Rangers in 1991.

STUART McCALL

Capped 40 times by Scotland, the Motherwell manager has earned plaudits for leading the Lanarkshire side to the Scottish Cup final and Champions League qualifiers. Recently laughed off his perceived position as a contender but his ability to lift morale could make him an SFA target.

BILLY STARK

The Scotland Under-21 manager has been handed temporary control after impressing in the role, leading his side to the play-offs and then second place in his two European qualifying campaigns.

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