Monday 5 February 2018 16:37, UK
Graeme Murty admits he would not be surprised to see Walter Smith be appointed as the new Scotland manager after the Rangers legend emerged as a contender for the vacant job.
National reports have said Smith, who took charge of Scotland from 2004 to 2007, is understood to be under consideration by the Scottish FA.
Scotland have been without a manager since Gordan Strachan left his post last October and Rangers boss Murty has described Smith as a "fantastic man" and that he would not be surprised should his countryman be asked to take the reins.
"My thoughts on Walter Smith have been very well documented in the high regard I hold him," Murty said about Smith, who has been out of management since leaving Rangers in 2011
"I think he is a fantastic man, fantastic character and when you walked onto the football pitch with him as your manager you had clear understanding, clarity of what your role was.
"You had his backing and you felt faith from him, from a man of that stature made you walk onto the pitch feeling great. I can't hold him in any higher regard.
"If Scotland were to look to him and ask him to take charge that would [then] be down to him but it wouldn't necessarily be a surprise.
"The people in the decision seats are going to have to make a good call and I would not be surprised if they went to him but I am quite glad that decision is not mine to make."
Murty, who previously revealed he has consulted Smith for advice this season, won two caps under the former Scotland boss and added he expected the 69-year-old to give any potential offer "long and deep thought".
When asked whether Smith had indicated a desire to return to management in previous discussions, Murty said: "He has been at Ibrox loads but we just chat generally about the incidents of the day or the most pertinent thing that has happened on the game that has been on the TV.
"We weren't talking about that (the Scotland post) and I would be very surprised if he wanted to talk about that because he is an intensely private guy.
"I wouldn't want to speak for him but I am sure if he does make the decision that he wants to come back then he would have given it long and deep thought and it would be the right thing for him.
"If he does come back then he will have everyone at the football club right behind him."
Sky Sports News reported last month there was support from inside the SFA for Scotland U21 coach Scot Gemmill to be considered for the senior manager's job after their failed pursuit of Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill.
