Friday 17 May 2019 14:45, UK
The Scottish Football Association has set a Monday deadline to appoint the new Scotland manager - with three names understood to be on the shortlist.
The squad for next month's crucial Euro 2020 qualifiers with Cyprus and Belgium is due to be announced on Tuesday, May 28, and the SFA wants to give the new man in charge at least a week to draw up his first selection.
The three men in the running are Kilmarnock manager Steve Clarke, Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes and U21s manager Scot Gemmill.
Aberdeen vice chairman Dave Cormack said on Wednesday McInnes would not be leaving the club at this present time, although Sky Sports News understands McInnes could be tempted away from Pittodrie if the offer was right.
The uncertainty over McInnes means Kilmarnock boss Steve Clarke now appears to be the leading contender to take over from McLeish, who was sacked last month.
By setting a deadline for Monday, the governing body appears to be giving Clarke the time he needs to complete this season's duties with Kilmarnock before making their move.
Killie host Rangers at Rugby Park on Sunday as they play their final league fixture of the campaign.
Former West Brom and Reading boss Clarke confirmed last month he had received no contact about taking over as Scotland manager but did admit he would be interested in the position "at some stage".
He added: "Whether it is now or not is a matter for you guys to talk about and speculate.
"I am fully focused on finishing the season well here at Kilmarnock.
"I don't speculate, there is no point in doing that. I know how football works. I am fully focused on this job here."
You can see both of Scotland's qualifiers live on Sky Sports.
