Coventry City manager Gordon Strachan has admitted that his long-term ambition is to be the manager of the Scottish national side.

The former Manchester United star has been in charge of the Sky Blues since November 1996 when he succeeded Ron Atkinson.

And since that day Strachan’s reputation as a top-flight manager has steadily grown with the fiery Scot being linked with vacant posts at Leeds United, Newcastle and Blackburn.

Now Strachan has received a further compliment with Scotland boss Craig Brown naming him amongst a list of possible successors to his post.

Brown has agreed with the Scottish FA that he will step down from the post after the 2002 World Cup campaign, and has asked for a replacement to be groomed in the mean time.

Along with Graham Souness, Willie Miller and Alex McLeish the City boss has been listed by Brown as an ideal character for the top soccer position north of the border, and Strachan admits he would relish the challenge.

He said: 

"Like every other Scotsman I would like one day to be the manager of my national side, there is no doubt about that.

"Obviously in the future I would love to do the Scotland job once I gain more experience."

But Strachan admitted that at present leaving his post at Highfield was the last thing on his mind.

"I am fully wrapped up in what I am doing here at Coventry, this is my job - it is what I am paid for.

"At the moment I am looking no further than this and I am enjoying what I am doing here," he said.