The Scottish FA has identified its preferred candidate to replace Steve Clarke as Scotland head coach and hopes to confirm the appointment within two weeks. The timing matters because the new manager is expected to be in post before Scotland begin their Nations League campaign away to Slovenia on 26 September.

Clarke resigned after Scotland’s World Cup group-stage exit, despite having signed a new four-year contract in May, ending a seven-year spell in charge. SFA chief football officer Craig Mulholland has led a search involving candidates from the UK and overseas, with interviews completed; it remains unclear whether the appointment will be Scottish or foreign.