Collins: national boss doesn't have to be a Scot

HIBS boss John Collins today insisted the SFA shouldn't shy away from naming a foreign manager as successor to Alex McLeish - provided he is fluent in English.

McLeish stunned the Tartan Army when he handed in his resignation soon after returning from South Africa where he had attended the World Cup draw.

As the hunt got underway for a successor, Easter Road boss Collins, who made all 58 of his appearances in a dark blue jersey under Andy Roxburgh and Craig Brown, claimed the SFA shouldn't restrict their search purely to Scottish contenders.

Although the bitter memory of German coach Berti Vogts' ill-fated reign is still fresh in the thoughts of many, Collins said: "I think the Scottish manager should be an English speaker, but that does not mean he has to be a Scot.

"It's a tough enough a job without a language barrier."

Collins, who himself is quoted at 16/1 by the bookies to get the job insisted that, at the age of 39, he was probably too young to be considered.

Only 13 months into his first managerial role, Collins said: "It's always nice to be mentioned by your country, the national job. But it is not something I will go chasing.

"If someone was to ask me I would think about it but I am probably too young, the job needs more of an experienced manager."

If McLeish's swift decision to quit Scotland for Birmingham shocked some, Collins insisted he wasn't at all surprised.

He said: "I got the impression that Alex wanted back into the day-to-day running of a football club. It's a much different role being the international manager with a game every two months and it's a long time till next September when we'll have our next competitive match.

"I'm sure Alex loved it, he's done a great job and we have to thank him for what he has done."

Hibs reserves crushed Gretna 5-2 at Raydale Park with Sean Lynch and Damon Gray each scoring twice after Ross Campbell opened the scoring.