Regan backs Strachan for Scots stay

Stewart Regan has told Gordon Strachan he can keep the Scotland job for life if he is sees the Dark Blues through to Euro 2016.

Strachan has masterminded a dramatic upsurge in results since replacing Craig Levein in January 2013. His side head into Saturday's crucial qualifying clash with the Republic of Ireland just a point behind leaders Poland having won three of their five matches so far.

Now Scottish Football Association chief executive Regan joked the Dark Blues boss is now just as popular as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

The former Celtic and Southampton boss' contract expires in November, a month after Scotland are due to wrap up their Group D bid.

Although talks on a fresh deal have yet to get started, Regan has told the 58-year-old that he can secure his employment into his dotage if he continues to add to his tally of victories.

Regan - speaking after Alan McRae was elected to replace Campbell Ogilvie as SFA president at the governing body's annual general meeting - said:

"Gordon Strachan has probably done as much as Nicola Sturgeon to rally the nation right now.

"We've had a laugh and a joke about his popularity amongst Scotland fans.

"As far as we are concerned if he keeps winning matches he can have a job here until he collects his bus pass.

"He's doing a great job but it's too early to go into any details. We are focusing on qualification right now.

"We would like to qualify. Gordon is quite relaxed about (his contract situation). We've had discussions and we will have a conversation at an appropriate time down the line.''

With such an impressive set of results to his name, Regan accepts Strachan will be attracting envious glances from clubs down south.

But the Hampden chief is not worried that his manager will follow the lead set by former Scotland boss Walter Smith and Alex McLeish, who both walked out on the country to return to club management.

"I'm sure Gordon is an attractive proposition to clubs looking to replace their own management teams right now,'' he said.

"But Gordon likes this job, it suits him. He likes the fact he can dip in and out of managing a squad of players. It fits in with his lifestyle.

"Most importantly he is really enjoying it and is doing really, really well.

"He has got his mind focused on qualification right now, as has the rest of the squad, and let's hope we can do it.''

Regan used the SFA's AGM to announce turnover had risen a record 18 per cent to £33.6million in 2014.

But results on the park have been just as impressive under Strachan, with the team now eyeing qualification for a first major tournament since the 1998 World Cup.

And the Englishman said he expects to see the side take another step towards next year's finals in France when they take on Martin O'Neill's side in Dublin.

He said: "It's a huge week for Scottish football. Probably the biggest week in my time as chief executive. It's a massive game and we have not been as close to qualification as this for some time.

"The way that Gordon has got the team playing now, we are full of optimism and full of hope. Everyone wants to be part of the squad and even for the friendly we had the other night there was a full turn-out of players wanting to take part.

"It's really encouraging. I think we have a great chance.

"It will be a tight game, a very intense game but one we hope we can get a result from.''