McLeish rejects Scots exit talk

McLeish has been in charge of Scotland for less than a year

Scotland manager Alex McLeish has denied he is preparing to leave his post as speculation grows linking him with a return to club management.

McLeish said he was committed to the 2010 World Cup campaign, which begins with the draw in Durban on Sunday.

"I'm flattered by the speculation but at the same time I don't have any plans to leave the job," he said.

SFA chief executive Gordon Smith said he wanted McLeish to extend his contract beyond the next World Cup.

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Having pushed Italy and France all the way in the qualifying race for next summer's European Championship, McLeish's stock will have risen.

And the former Motherwell, Hibernian and Rangers manager is sure to be linked with forthcoming club vacancies.

However, Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher would like to see McLeish remain in charge of the national side.

Football is unpredictable but I certainly don't have any plans to vacate my position Alex McLeish Scotland manager

"I understand the boss being in demand, and it seems big Premiership teams in England have been looking at what he's done," said the Manchester United man.

"There will be people after him, but we can only hope he stays with us because we are a young team that's ready for another couple of campaigns.

"There has not been too much chopping and changing of personnel, and the more we play together the better we will get."

McLeish stated when he took over from Walter Smith in January that he intended to see the deal "all the way through".

And speaking on Monday, he said: "I know football is an unpredictable business and you never know, but I certainly don't have any plans to vacate my position.

"I've never mapped out my career. I've kind of ad-libbed it and that's the way it will continue

"I never had any grand plans to be manager of Motherwell, Hibs, Rangers and then the national team.

"Things fell into place and the next step will be the same - whether it's with the national team through the World Cup or something else."

Smith told BBC Radio 5 Live he was keen for McLeish to extend his stay as Scotland coach.

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"Alex has done such a good job, we'd like to sit down and see if he has any thoughts of extending his deal," Smith said.

"The problem you have is if an attractive job comes up, then it's another issue. But Alex is under contract."

Following Saturday's loss to Italy which ended hopes of reaching 2008, McLeish quickly shifted his attention to the World Cup draw on 25 November.

However, there was a slight note of caution when he said: "I'm really looking forward to going to the draw.

"I'm committed to the cause with Scotland but you never know in football what can happen."