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Gordon Smith said five candidates were vying for the Scotland job

Five candidates are vying to become the new Scotland manager, the Scottish Football Association has revealed.

SFA chief executive Gordon Smith told BBC Scotland: "We have narrowed the shortlist down to five candidates in order to move the process forward."

Celtic coach Tommy Burns, Motherwell manager Mark McGhee and former Rangers boss Graeme Souness are in the frame.

BBC Scotland understands Southampton manager George Burley and former Derby boss Billy Davies are also on the list.

Alex McLeish quit as Scotland manager in November to take over English Premier League side Birmingham City.

The 48-year-old narrowly missed out on securing qualification for the Euro 2008 finals.

McGhee, 50, has been linked with the Scotland post, but would only consider the job with the blessing of his employers at Motherwell.

Speaking on Friday, he said: "I could only do the Scotland job with the absolute consensus of everybody here.

"I won't be walking out in any way that leaves any resentment. It has reached the stage where it (the speculation) is driving me mental."

Southampton boss Burley has indicated he would be interested in the job.

Speaking in December, he said: "About 500 people have been linked with the job. If you have a Scottish accent, you've got a chance.

"But any opportunity to manage the national team is something I'd be interested in."