Burns goes out to impress

Walter Smith will be interviewed by the Scottish FA this week for the vacant Scotland manager's position though for Tommy Burns, this evening provides a hands-on opportunity to stake his own claim.

The 47-year-old, who assisted Berti Vogts throughout his Scotland reign, remains in contention to replace the German and is keen to take the role, though the SFA considers Smith to be its first-choice. To that end a formal announcement may be made as early as next week, with Burns's long-term future open to doubt.

"I'm not looking at this game as the be-all and end-all," he said. "Even if we win 2-0 or 3-0, it would be a shallow decision if they appointed someone on the basis of one result.

"Things will be clearer after the Sweden game, but I wouldn't be surprised if nothing happened for a while. The SFA have obviously made contact with Walter and they will do the same for others, I'm sure.

"It's an almighty decision they have to make. They have to plan ahead and put their vision across to the candidates, how they see the structure being taken on in the future, and see whether those in contention share those ideas.

These things take time to find the right person. As for me, I'd expect somebody to speak to me from the SFA, if just out of courtesy."

It remains to be seen whether Smith, the former Rangers and Everton manager, would consider retaining a former Celtic coach as his assistant.

The Swedes arrive without Henrik Larsson, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Freddie Ljungberg, but those who have travelled will face a youthful Scottish line-up.