Vogts to be Scotland boss

Berti Vogts' Kuwait side were humbled by Oman

Berti Vogts has been confirmed as the man set to be Scotland manager.

The former Germany boss - who led his country to victory in Euro 96 - has long been favourite for the job vacated by Craig Brown.

And 55-year-old Vogts, currently manager of Kuwait, will take over when the Gulf Cup concludes at the end of this month.

The Scottish Football Association's chief executive David Taylor said there were still contractual matters to finalise, but finally admitted that Vogts will succeed Brown.

We will not finally conclude all matters until the Gulf Cup is over

David Taylor

"Berti Vogts is a world class coach, with an impressive track record of success in international football," he said.

"He has indicated strongly that he wants to lead Scotland through Euro 2004 and to the World Cup tournament in 2006 and I am sure that his expertise, experience and ideas will bring a new dimension to the development of the Scottish game.

"We have agreed virtually all aspects of his contract and I am confident that the deal will be concluded soon.

"However, at present Kuwait are participating in the Gulf Cup tournament and, at the request of the Kuwait FA, we will not conclude matters until the Gulf Cup is over."

Taylor admitted that the appointment represented the most lucrative package put together for a Scotland manager.

But he said the investment was worth it to secure the services of the SFA's "unanimous choice".

Another candidate, former Scotland captain Bruce Rioch, admitted he was disappointed, but thanked Taylor for the "outstanding communication" from the SFA.

Vogts will, however, leave his present job at a time when he has come under fire in Kuwait.

Tommy Burns could be Vogts' assistant

Kuwait lost 3-1 to Oman in the Gulf Cup at the weekend.

Oman had never before beaten Kuwait in the competition.

It has been reported that Kuwait FA president Sheikh Fahad Al-Amrad Al-Sabbah was so enraged by the result that he held a 45-minute showdown meeting with the German.

The SFA had been hoping to have their new boss in place before Friday's draw for Euro 2004, but a formal announcement is unlikely to be made until early February.

BBC Scotland understands that Celtic youth coach Tommy Burns is the SFA's preferred choice as Vogts' assistant.

No announcement on that post was made on Monday.