Who could replace Gordon Strachan as Scotland boss?

Scotland are searching for a new manager after Gordon Strachan left his position on Thursday.

Strachan's four-year reign in charge of the national team came to an end in the wake of their failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

We take a look at six possible candidates to replace him...

Strachan leaves Scotland

Gordon Strachan leaves role as Scotland manager with immediate effect

David Moyes

The former Everton and Manchester United boss is still highly thought of in his homeland, despite a downturn in fortunes since his ill-fated Old Trafford stint.

He was sacked by Real Sociedad after just 12 months in Spain and only lasted a season at Sunderland before resigning after the Black Cats' relegation from the Premier League.

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His track record of making the most of resources at Goodison Park, however, may yet hold sway with Scottish Football Association chiefs.

Moyes has previously suggested he would be interested in the Scotland job, saying in 2016: "It's something I'd never say never to in the future, never say never to managing in Scotland. It's always something that I would definitely keep open."

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Sky Bet says...

"Moyes was immediately installed as the bookmaker's favourite as it became apparent that Strachan would be leaving the role and he has so far retained his place at the head of the market.

"However, he is what they would call a 'soft favourite' in the industry, with his relatively short price attracting little interest."

Sky Bet odds: 5/2

Gordon Strachan has left his post as Scotland manager with immediate effect

Alex McLeish

The former Scotland boss is another popular candidate with the bookmakers to return to the Hampden hot seat.

His first stint with the national team saw him take charge of just 10 games, but it produced seven wins, including the James McFadden-inspired triumph over France in Paris in 2007.

The former Rangers boss went on to win the League Cup with Birmingham, but subsequent spells in charge at Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Belgian outfit Genk have not been quite so fruitful.

McLeish is another to place on record his interest in the Scotland job, saying he would "seriously consider" any approach.

Sky Bet says...

"McLeish has been the other main mover in Sky Bet's market, with his price halved from 12/1 to 6/1 since Strachan's exit."

Sky Bet odds: 6/1

Michael O'Neill

He has performed wonders in charge of his native Northern Ireland, leading them to the last 16 at Euro 2016 and now to the play-offs for a place in Russia.

Despite having a limited talent pool to work with, his team comfortably beat both Czech Republic and Norway to finish as runners-up to Germany in their qualifying group.

The former Dundee United and Hibernian winger still lives in Edinburgh, so his familiarity with the Scottish football landscape should make any potential switch a smooth one. But any move would surely depend on his current side coming up short in next month's play-offs.

Sky Bet says...

"O'Neill is another name backed to manage the Scottish team, with his price coming in from 20/1 to 8/1."

Sky Bet odds: 8/1

Image: Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has guided his team to the play-offs

Paul Lambert

As a former Scotland skipper, Lambert would be unlikely to turn down the opportunity to manage his country if it was presented to him.

He was a hot ticket in England after successful spells in charge at Wycombe, Colchester and Norwich, but his move to cash-strapped Aston Villa in the summer of 2012 proved to be the most testing period of his managerial career and he lasted just three seasons before being sacked in February 2015 with his side third bottom of the table.

Recent short spells with Blackburn and Wolves have failed to reignite his fortunes.

Sky Bet says...

"Lambert is the man closing in on the favourites. He has shortened from 6/1 to 7/2 in the betting amid strong support from Sky Bet punters."

Sky Bet odds: 7/2

Derek McInnes

The Aberdeen boss has been hailed for waking the sleeping Pittodrie giant since taking over four-and-a-half years ago.

His 2014 League Cup triumph ended the Dons' 19-year wait for a trophy and, despite working with a budget that is a fraction of that available to Celtic, his team have consistently been a thorn in the side of the Hoops in recent seasons.

He may not have the big-game management experience of some of his rivals, but his track record speaks for itself.

McInnes, who turned down Sunderland over the summer, has said only a "special job" could lure him away from Aberdeen. Could that be the national team?

Sky Bet says...

"McInnes has been a major drifter in the betting market, going out from 6/1 to 14/1 since betting started."

Sky Bet odds: 14/1

Image: Derek McInnes has previously turned down the Sunderland job

Malky Mackay

The former Watford, Cardiff and Wigan manager is already on the SFA payroll, having been appointed to the Hampden performance director post last December, so he could take up the reins quickly.

He landed his current post despite a hugely controversial exit from Cardiff, but his record with the Welsh outfit, who he led to promotion to the Premier League in 2013, is proof of his managerial capabilities.

Sky Bet says...

"Mackay closely follows Moyes in the betting at 11/4 but the former Watford man has also attracted lukewarm support from punters."

Sky Bet odds: 11/4

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