Levein paves way for Scotland football exiles' return

GLASGOW (AFP) - Craig Levein, the new manager of the Scotland national side, marked his first news conference in charge by saying he would consider all eligible players for selection.

Levein, appointed on a four-and-a-half year contract here Wednesday, succeeded George Burley, who was sacked last month after a 3-0 friendly defeat by Wales followed Scotland's failure to reach the play-offs for a place in next year's World Cup finals in South Africa.

Burley's time in charge was overshadowed by several high-profile disputes with players.

Rangers striker Kris Boyd refused to play under Burley after complaining of a lack of opportunities.

Star midfielder Barry Ferguson and goalkeeper Allan McGregor were then banned for life for their behaviour before and during a World Cup qualifier against Iceland in April.

The pair were dropped after an all-night drinking session and then made V-signs at photographers from the bench.

However, former Dundee United manager Levein paved the way for the trio's return to international duty by saying his paramount concern was to get Scotland through to the Euro 2012 finals in Poland and Ukraine.

"I won't rule out any players," he told reporters at a Hampden Park news conference here Wednesday.

"My job is to try to qualify. I'll be picking the best players."

Earlier Wednesday, a statement on the Scottish Football Association (SFA) website confirmed Levein's appointment by saying: "The Scottish FA are delighted to announce the appointment of Craig Levein as new national coach."

Levein, the longtime favourite for the Scotland role, told the news conference: "Not much of a secret was it, really?"

"I really am thrilled to be here today.

"It's difficult to express just how proud I feel being a Scotsman and having followed the national team all my life."

SFA chief executive Gordon Smith said: "Craig was the unanimous choice of the board and brings a wealth of experience as a player - including 16 international caps for Scotland - and as a coach."

The 45-year-old Levein has been favourite to succeed Burley since Rangers manager Walter Smith ruled himself out of a return to the Scotland job.

Levein's move from Tannadice appeared to be foundering Tuesday on the issue of compensation, with Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson saying the club had been treated "shabbily" by the SFA.

But Thompson confirmed Wednesday that United were seeking a new manager.

There was a further delay Wednesday with snowbound conditions preventing Levein getting from his Fife home to Hampden until the afternoon, where there were then several hours of contractual negotiations.

But Levein said: "Don't let the length of time today fool you. That is no indication of how much I wanted this job.

"Today was a little bit protracted but so what?"

Levein, whose career as a Hearts defender was cut short by injury, made his name as a manager during a 2000-04 spell in charge of the Edinburgh club.

A brief, unsuccessful stint as manager of English Championship side Leicester followed and Levein returned to management in Scotland with Raith Rovers before taking over at Dundee United in October 2006.

He guided the Tangerines to fifth place in the Scottish Premier League last season and they are currently fourth in the table.

Scotland have not qualified for the finals of a major tournament since the 1998 World Cup in France.