SFA tight-lipped over Smith 'offer'

Scottish Football Association (SFA) officials refused to confirm or deny a report on Sky Sports News that they'd offered the vacant post of Scotland manager to Walter Smith.

Former Rangers and Everton boss Smith has been the favourite to succeed Berti Vogts after the German resigned last month.

But SFA spokesman Andy Mitchell told AFP: "We've got no comment to make on speculation about the national manager's position."

Vogts, the first foreigner to coach Scotland, stood down after a dreadful start to the 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign left the side struggling to reach the finals

Smith met with SFA chief executive David Taylor and other officials for an interview on November 19 but other candidates have also been called in for talks.

SFA chiefs are due to make their recommmendations at a board meeting at Hampden Park on Thursday.

Vogts resigned with Scotland having taken just two points from their opening three World Cup qualifiers, making it all but impossible for the team to qualify for the 2006 event in Germany.