McGhee talks to SFA over top job

Burley and McGhee have tasted success in England and SPL

Mark McGhee has been interviewed by the Scottish Football Association about the vacant national manager's job, BBC Scotland understands.

Both McGhee and Southhampton manager George Burley were given permission by their clubs to speak to the SFA about their manager's job.

Motherwell boss McGhee and Burley are on a shortlist along with Tommy Burns and Graeme Souness.

But both clubs say they are hopeful of holding on to their managers.

Interview: Motherwell manager Mark McGhee

Interview: Southampton manager George Burley

Earlier in the week, McGhee told BBC Sport: "I am open minded about it. I have not made my mind up that I am leaving Motherwell. I am here to be persuaded."

He has received widespread praise for Motherwell's performances this season and his leadership following the death of club captain Phil O'Donnell on 29 December.

"I have a moral responsibility to be here at least until the end of the season because of what has happened in recent weeks," said McGhee.

It is a great honour to be considered by your country and it is only right that I listen to what they have to say Southampton manager George Burley

BBC Sport understands that Celtic will also not stand in the way of Burns should their coach wish to speak to the SFA, but the former Scotland assistant has yet to make comment.

Former Rangers, Liverpool, Galatasaray and Newcastle manager Souness is presently employed as a media pundit but is thought to be interested in the national manager's job.

Souness is presently the bookmakers' favourite, with the SFA hopeful of completing interviews by next week.

However, McGhee and Burns have also both led the betting at some point since the departure of Alex McLeish to join Birmingham.

McGhee, who took over at Fir Park last summer, held talks with the Scottish Premier League club's owner, John Boyle, on Tuesday.

"Mark and I had a very constructive and amicable meeting," said Boyle about the former Aberdeen and Celtic striker who has previous management experience with Reading, Wolves, Leicester, Millwall and Brighton.

"He is on a three-year contract with the club, he is happy here and is looking forward to the rest of the season at Fir Park.

"Obviously, we are very keen to keep him as the Motherwell manager - and I have put a range of proposals to him.

"Understandably, he wants to hear what the SFA have to say. But he has made it clear publicly and to the club that he would not want to let us down.

"In fairness to him, Motherwell have reluctantly agreed to give permission to the SFA to speak to him."

Saints chairman Leon Crouch had a similar response about Burley.

"Taking charge of your country is the greatest honour any manager could have and if George Burley wants to speak to them then we understand," he said.

MY SPORT: DEBATE It's McGhee for me. He'll be good for the dressing room. chutoy

"George is an experienced and valued manager and we want to keep him, but we would not prevent him speaking to them."

Burley, whose Southampton side are sitting outside the play-off places in England's Championship, was a success during a short spell with previous club Hearts.

The former Colchester, Ipswich and Derby boss led the Edinburgh outfit to the top of the Scottish Premier League before leaving after a dispute with owner Vladimir Romanov.

Burley said: "It is a great honour to be considered by your country and it is only right that I listen to what they have to say.

"There is no obligation on either side and I must stress I am very happy at Southampton.

"I am not looking to move on. But, after receiving this approach, I felt it would be right to speak to the SFA."