Kilmarnock boss Neil McCann in frame to be Scotland manager as clear criteria revealed: 'I expect...'

Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann is likely to be seriously considered to become the new Scotland manager in the coming months.

That is according to former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the Killie boss will be of major interest to the SFA.

The governing body are on the hunt for a new manager after Steve Clarke's decision to step down, and McCann has emerged as an early favourite in the eyes of the bookmakers.

Wyness believes that the 51-year-old may have a realistic chance of landing the national team job, with the SFA expected to lean towards a younger homegrown coach.

The former boardroom man also noted Steven Naismith as a likely candidate for the role, given that he had been part of Clarke's coaching staff since August 2025.

Both McCann and Naismith are former Rangers stars, and could yet be about to lead their country in the top national manager's job.

Scotland to appoint boss for 'five-year plan'

Aberdeen's former chief Wyness - who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004 and now runs a consultancy business advising elite clubs - believes that Scotland are preparing for a five to 10-year plan to rebuild themselves.

He made it clear that the SFA are likely to target a "technician" to step into the dugout after Clarke's departure, which followed a group stage exit at the World Cup.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, he emphasised that both McCann and Naismith are likely to genuinely be in the frame.

"I think we're going to be seeing someone like a Neil McCann coming in as manager. Steven Naismith's been another one that's been linked as well. So I expect a Scotsman to come back in and to do this now," Wyness said.

"It's important Scotland have a forward vision now of how to actually start getting some youth through the squad. We've got to look at blooding youngsters again and a bigger catchment of players to give ourselves more options going forward. 

"There is some young Scottish talent coming through, and a McCann or a Naismith are probably best equipped. I think the Tartan Army will understand if we're going to get more of a technician and somebody with a younger vision.

"We're going to start to really get back to playing some proper Scottish football again that we used to have in the past. And that's going to come from the next five-to 10-year plan.

"We've got to give it another go, and I think it's going to take that spell with a Scotsman at the top to be able to do that. So that's where I see the Scottish manager's job."

David Moyes in 'no doubt' that he wants Scotland job

Wyness previously told Football Insider that there is "no doubt" that Everton manager David Moyes would be open to taking the Scotland job.

The veteran has emerged as the early favourite to succeed Clarke, but Wyness is adamant that he is unlikely to take the role at this stage of his career.

The Scottish businessman worked with the 63-year-old during his lengthy stint as CEO at Goodison Park, and believes that his former colleague will only take the job at some stage in the future.

Moyes is still under contract at Everton for another season, and is ready to mount a push for European football this term.