Walter Smith as emerged as favourite for the vacant Scotland job.

The Scots have been without a head coach since Gordon Strachan quit last year after failing to qualify for the World Cup finals.

Northern Ireland chief Michael O’Neill has already rejected the job, but now Smith could be handed the reigns for a second time, after previously been in charge from 2004 to 2007.

Ex-Wigan and Chesterfield boss Gary Caldwell, another former Scottish manager Alex McLeish and current Under-21 coach Scot Gemmill are also being considered, but 69-year-old Smith has emerged as the favourite.

The Scottish Football Association, who also need a new chief executive after Stewart Regan quit last week, want a new boss in place before friendlies in March against Costia Rica and Hungary.

Bookmaker Coral makes Smith the 3-1 favourite ahead of Gemmill on 7/2.

“Smith could be given the opportunity to return to the post he left eleven years ago,” said Coral’s Harry Aitkenhead.