Burns tops short list as SFA begin boss interviews

TOMMY BURNS is firm favourite to become Scotland boss after the SFA said they had a shortlist ready.

A spokesman said: "We are still on course for a January appointment. We have a shortlist and will be looking to speak to people as soon as we can."

Ex-Celtic boss Burns, 51, head of youth and a first-team coach at Parkhead, was a strong contender when Walter Smith resigned to return to Rangers.

He had worked under both Smith and Berti Vogts, but withdrew from the running in frustration when the SFA ignored him and hired Alex McLeish.

With George Peat replacing John McBeth as SFA chairman and Gordon Smith coming in for David Taylor, there is no ill-feeling - and Burns definitely wants the job.

His former Celtic and Killie No 2 BillyStark has already been named Under-21 boss.

Smith has revealed he has "at least six or seven" candidates in mind, but his shortlist is expected to feature fewer names.

Also in the running are Mark McGhee, Craig Levein, Billy Davies and Joe Jordan.

Interviews should begin this week, but the SFA will not take a financial gamble on a new boss. McLeish was thought to be on around £400,000-a-year and the new manager is unlikely to be offered any more. Hibs repel big Eck raid

HIBS have rejected a £1m bid from Alex McLeish at Birmingham for defender David Murphy. Former Scotland U-21 boss Rainer Bonhof is said to be on the Hibs shortlist for vacant manager's job. Motherwell have signed striker Martin Grehan, 23, from Juniors Dundonald Bluebell. Rangers youth coach Stephen Wright has joined Dunfermline as first team coach. Morton striker Michael Gardyne has joined Ross County, and Ton have agreed a £5000 fee for Chris Miller to join St Johnstone. Gavin Strachan, 31, son of Celtic boss Gordon, has joined Oxford as player-coach. Jimmy warning to Dons

ABERDEEN boss Jimmy Calderwood has not ruled out quitting Pittodrie if the board don't back his rebuilding plans.

Dons face a New Year clear-out. Defender Michael Hart may move to Plymouth after the clubs agreed a £100,000 fee. Contract rebels Barry Nicholson and Chris Clark are expected to refuse new deals. Zander Diamond's future is also in doubt. Stories in today's English papers Jurgen Klinsmann is front runner to become next Liverpool manager. Didier Drogba wants to leave Chelsea in the summer. Jermain Defoe told he can leave Spurs. Blackburn have accepted a £2m Derby bid for Robbie Savage. Fulham have bid £2m for Juve's former Ranger Jean-Alain Boumsong. Henrik Larsson has been offered a coaching role at Swedish club Helsingborgs. Chelsea are today considering a new bid for Nicolas Anelka after Bolton said no to £12m.