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Ferguson believes Scotland are in good shape for a new manager

Scotland captain Barry Ferguson believes Mark McGhee and Craig Levein are the two outstanding candidates to become the next national team coach.

"I think we've got some good managers in the Premier League just now," said the Rangers midfielder.

"The two that stick out are Mark McGhee and Craig Levein, who have done great jobs at Motherwell and Dundee United.

"I think the SFA are experienced enough to know who to bring in. There are certainly good managers about."

Motherwell and Dundee United currently occupy third and fourth spots in the SPL.

And both managers are almost certain to be on the Scottish Football Association's shortlist to replace Alex McLeish.

Both McLeish and his predecessor Walter Smith had short spells with the national team before returning to club management.

And Ferguson wants the SFA to find a boss willing to go the distance this time.

"We just don't want someone coming in and another club taking them away as happened with 'Big Eck' [McLeish]," added the skipper.

"But you can't blame him. He always wanted to go down to the English Premier League and he has gone down and done pretty well so far."

Although willing to offer his opinion if requested, Ferguson insists he has faith in chief executive Gordon Smith and his SFA colleagues.

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"If they want to come and ask me I would do it but I think with eight or 10 of them on the committee I think there are enough guys there to decide," he added.

"The last two appointments have been fantastic so I'm sure they will pick the right man for the job.

"We've got a game or a get-together in February, so it's only a month or so away and I think we would like to get somebody in place.

"We've done ever so well, we've got a good squad, a good mix now. It will be a good job for whoever gets it.

"Whoever walks into the dressing room gets your respect straight away.

"There's no doubt about that. Whoever gets it, I'm guessing will be the right choice at the end of the day."