Gordon Strachan to stay as Scotland boss

Gordon Strachan will remain as Scotland manager.

Reports had claimed Strachan was considering his future and that he was set to have discussions with the Scottish Football Association (SFA) after a poor start to World Cup qualification.

However, it is understood that the former Celtic boss and the governing body are not inclined to part ways.

Strachan, 59, is therefore set to be in charge when Scotland bid to rekindle their World Cup qualification hopes against England at Wembley next month.

Scotland were beaten 3-0 in Slovakia on Tuesday night, which followed the 1-1 draw with Lithuania at Hampden Park last Saturday.

Although Scotland have dropped to fourth place in Group F, after taking only four points from three games, a victory over group leaders England at Wembley on November 11 would put them level on points with Gareth Southgate's side.

Earlier in the day Strachan's assistant, Mark McGhee, insisted that the Scots “still have a great chance of qualification”.

McGhee, who doubles as Motherwell boss, was also asked if he expected Strachan to be in charge for the England game, saying: “I am not going to comment on that.

“That is for Gordon, not for me. Gordon has his own thoughts. I have not spoken to him, no.

“My only thought I will give you is that there is still a great chance of qualification, obviously results have to improve but I think there is potential there for that to happen.

“So I think it is still all to play for.”

Former Scotland captain Stephen McManus backed Strachan, his former boss at Celtic.

The 34-year-old Motherwell defender, capped 26 times, said: “I am not saying this because he is an ex-manager, I am saying it honestly, I believe Gordon Strachan is the right man to take the country forward now.

“A lot is going to be riding on the next game. You could win there and you could end up back in contention.

“That would be my spin on it. You can't change what has happened but if the negativity rolls on it doesn't do the players any good, or supporters any good.

“A lot of managers lose their jobs too quickly, I don't think there is a need to do that just now.

“The results were disappointing. But I feel the country is too negative at times like this.

“We are not out the group at all. It is going to be difficult, going to England is going to be a big ask but when you are under pressure that is sometimes when you get your best performances.”