Now that Craig Levein has been formally appointed as George Burley's successor as manager of Scotland a number of club managers have come out to back him in his new role. Sir Alex Ferguson knows the pressures of carrying national expectation when he took charge for the 1986 World Cup after the tragic death of Jock Stein. He described Craig Levein as the "obvious" choice as Scotland manager. Ferguson wished Levein all the best in his new role and said:  "If it was going to be a Scotsman, Craig was the obvious candidate. He did a good job at Dundee United. Hopefully he does really well because, being Scottish, I want to see my team qualify for the European Championships next time." Ferguson reckons Levein will need more luck than predecessor George Burley managed to secure. He said: "They were unlucky the last time but being unlucky is not a criteria for keeping your job".

Celtic manager Tony Mowbray also gave Levein his best wishes. He said: "I would like to wish him all the best. He is a young guy to be taking on a national-team job but I wish him well and hope he can be successful." Aberdeen boss Mark McGhee, who was one of those interviewed for the post eventually won by Burleytwo years ago, said: "Had I been offered the job previously, I considered - and I did say this at the time to the SFA at the interview - bringing in Craig as one of my lieutenants. I say that because he's qualified to be at that sort of level. As manager, he fits the bill. Like everyone else, I'm thrilled for him and will be doing absolutely everything I can to try to help him and support him in every way possible."