BILLY STARK today vowed to tap into the feelgood factor in Scottish football in his new role as national youth football supremo and under-21 manager.

The former Aberdeen and Celtic midfielder was officially unveiled in the new full-time position by SFA chief executive Gordon Smith at Hampden this morning.

And the former Accies, Morton, St Johnstone and Queens' Park manager believes he is coming into the job at the perfect time.

Stark said: "I'm delighted and thrilled to be involved in the national set-up. As a boy I dreamed of playing for Scotland. I wasn't fortunate enough to be able to do that. There were a few good players about in my time.

"So, to get involved in coaching and management my country is the next best thing. As far as I'm concerned there is no greater honour than to represent Scotland.

"There is a feel-good factor in Scottish football just now. A lot of pride has been restored by the national side under Walter Smith and Alex McLeish.

"Over the years youth teams have performed pretty well at national level. Last summer, the under-20s played in the World Cup. I think that is an indication of what can be achieved."

Stark's appointment has fuelled speculation that his former team-mate and close friend Tommy Burns might be named as the new Scotland manager.

Burns, who was the assistant coach under former boss Walter Smith, is believed to be on a shortlist of candidates and has been installed as bookies' favourite to succeed McLeish.

However, Smith stressed that appointment of Stark, who worked as No.2 to Burns at Kilmarnock and Celtic, has nothing to do with the senior post.

Stark agreed: "I think there has to be a relationship between myself and the new Scotland manager, whoever that may be. But I'm pretty confident, with the type of guy that I am, that I can form a good relationship with whoever comes in.

"I am sure that one of the first things that the new manager will do when he is appointed is to look at the young players who are being brought through."

Smith stressed that Stark's responsibilities will include all age-group teams up to and including under-21 level.

The chief executive said: "It is important that we try to win games and qualify for the finals of youth tournaments and Billy will help to do that.

"But he is also in place to help ensure that players can develop to a level where they can progress from under-21 level into the full national team."