Saints boss George Burley is expected to be asked to become Scotland's new manager today.

Burley is the man the Scottish Football Association's interview panel have decided best fits the bill as Alex McLeish's successor.

The SFA want a man with stature and who can be a figurehead for the Scottish game in the same impressive way McLeish was during his 10-month spell in charge of the national team.

However, they will need to agree compensation with Southampton before confirming Burley as the new boss and there will not be an appointment today, the SFA have confirmed.

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee, who was one of the four shortlisted candidates for the post, conceded defeat last night in his bid to land the job.

McGhee said: "All I can say is congratulations to George. I think he will be a terrific Scotland manager and I will do all I can to help him.

"I remain very proud to have been considered and if George does not win the World Cup then it opens it up for me to be one who does!"

Southampton last night recognised there was every chance of an SFA approach for Burley, although they were still waiting to hear from Hampden chiefs.

The SFA interview panel, including president George Peat and chief executive Gordon Smith, deliberated over the candidates, who also included Graeme Souness and Celtic first-team coach Tommy Burns, before deciding on their preferred option.

The SFA ratified their decision this morning, so Ayrshire man Burley will be the man asked to lead Scotland to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Scotland have not qualified for a major tournament since reaching the 1998 World Cup.

Saints did not stand in Burley's way when the SFA requested to interview the man who is most closely associated with Ipswich, the club he served in long spells both as player and manager.

Burley also had an impressive but short stint as Hearts boss in 2005, which ended due to "irreconcilable differences" between the 51-year-old and the Tynecastle board.

Burley, who has been Saints manager for 25 months, is expected to grasp the opportunity to lead his country.

He said at the weekend: "It is a great honour that Scotland asked to speak to me.

"There is a lot to consider. I am very happy at Southampton but if your country asks to speak to you then it is only right to do so."

The SFA will be mindful of ensuring negotiations with Saints are amicable, having been upset by the manner of McLeish's resignation to take charge at Birmingham in November, shortly after Scotland's Euro 2008 qualification hopes were ended by Italy and before compensation could be agreed.

Burley, born in Cumnock, has vast experience in club management, having also bossed Ayr, Colchester and Derby, and he won 11 caps for Scotland as a defender from 1979 to 1982.

He led Ipswich to a fifth-place finish in the Premier League in 2001, securing a UEFA Cup place. He was voted manager of the year for his achievement.

At Hearts he briefly threatened to make the Edinburgh side serious challengers to the Old Firm, but departed after a superb start to the 2005-06 season due to off-field matters.