www.football-live.co.nr

Burley and McGhee have tasted success in England and SPL

George Burley and Mark McGhee have been given permission by their clubs to speak to the Scottish Football Association about their manager's job.

Southampton's Burley and Motherwell's McGhee are on a four-man shortlist with Tommy Burns and Graeme Souness.

But both clubs say they are hopeful of holding on to their managers.

And Burley said: "It is a great honour to be considered by your country and it is only right that I listen to what they have to say."

Interview: Motherwell manager Mark McGhee

Burley, whose Southampton side are sitting outside the play-off places in England's Championship, was a success during a short spell with previous club Hearts.

The former Colchester, Ipswich and Derby boss led the Edinburgh outfit to the top of the Scottish Premier League before leaving after a dispute with owner Vladimir Romanov.

Obviously, we are very keen to keep him as the Motherwell manager - and I have put a range of proposals to him Motherwell owner John Boyle

"There is no obligation on either side and I must stress I am very happy at Southampton," he said.

"I am not looking to move on. But, after receiving this approach, I felt it would be right to speak to the SFA."

BBC Sport understands that Celtic will also not stand in the way of Burns should their coach and former Scotland assistant wish to speak to the SFA.

Former Rangers, Liverpool, Galatasaray and Newcastle manager Souness is presently employed as a media pundit but is thought to be interested in the national manager's job.

Souness is presently the bookmakers' favourite for the post, with the SFA hopeful of completing interviews by next week.

However, McGhee and Burns have also both led the betting at some point since the departure of Alex McLeish to join Birmingham.

McGhee, who took over at Fir Park last summer, has insisted he will not leave without the "absolute consensus" of everyone at his Scottish Premier League club.

"Mark and I had a very constructive and amicable meeting," said Boyle after talks with the 50-year-old on Tuesday evening.

"He is on a three-year contract with the club, he is happy here and is looking forward to the rest of the season at Fir Park.

"Obviously, we are very keen to keep him as the Motherwell manager - and I have put a range of proposals to him.

"Understandably, he wants to hear what the SFA have to say. But he has made it clear publicly and to the club that he would not want to let us down.

"In fairness to him, Motherwell have reluctantly agreed to give permission to the SFA to speak to him."

McGhee, the former Aberdeen and Celtic striker, has previous management experience with Reading, Wolves, Leicester, Millwall and Brighton.

He has received widespread praise for Motherwell's performances this season and his leadership following the death of club captain Phil O`Donnell on 29 December.

Saints chairman Leon Crouch explained his club's position over Burley.

"Taking charge of your country is the greatest honour any manager could have and if George Burley wants to speak to them then we understand," he said.

"George is an experienced and valued manager and we want to keep him, but we would not prevent him speaking to them."