Scotland have been urged to ditch plans to appoint Steven Naismith as their new boss in favour of Rafael Benitez.
Former Scotland international Naismith is the frontrunner to replace Steve Clarke as boss with a decision expected before next month’s Nations League fixtures.
Naismith was part of Clarke’s backroom team and is being primed for the top job despite having an ill-fated spell as Hearts boss on his managerial roll of honour.
Scotland told to hire Benitez instead
Scottish FA (SFA) chiefs have a huge decision to make on the direction of their next head coach and former midfielder Gary McAllister believes they should cast their net further in the search for a new boss.
Ex-Portugal manager Roberto Martinez and Everton boss David Moyes have also been linked with the vacant role.
However, McAllister, who clocked up 57 caps for his country, believes former Liverpool and Newcastle boss Benitez is the standout name among the current available options.
“With Roberto Martinez and Moyesy, I don’t think they’re gettable,” McAllister told talkSPORT. “The salaries they’ve been working for, I don’t know if the SFA pay that.
“Rafa’s looking for a way back in.”
And it appears that the 61-year-old has been doing some digging of his own on Benitez.
“All the guys I’ve played with in my little, short period at Liverpool and the players that played under Rafa speak so highly of him,” McAllister added.
“The discipline, the preparation. He’s a winner as well, he’s won everything.
“Somebody like that is who you’d want as an international manager. He’s been there, seen it and done it and has got vast amounts of experience.”
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The Spaniard has been out of work since being dismissed by Greek giant Panathinakos in May after only managing a fourth-placed finish in the play-offs of the Greek Super League.
McAllister’s recommendation would mean the SFA pulling the plug on Naismith, who already has experience of the national team set-up.
But the ex-Leeds and Liverpool midfielder believes there are no standout names in the running for the job.
“I know it might never happen but there’s no outstanding candidate for me, I don’t see one,” McAllister added.
“Steven Naismith, Clarkey’s assistant might just be a step too much for his first job.
“I think Derek McInnes would have been in contention if he hadn’t gone to Glasgow Rangers.”
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Naismith’s record
Naismith’s time in the Hearts dugout saw him pick up a 43.1 per cent win rate.
He was handed the reins on an interim basis following the dismissal of Robbie Neilson before being handed the job full-time in June 2023.
Prior to his spell with the Hearts first team, Naismith worked with the club’s academy to build up his coaching expertise.
He subsequently went on to become the club’s development manager.
