Smith: Scotland job talk premature

Walter Smith insists the 4-1 friendly defeat by Sweden on Wednesday has not put him off the Scotland managerial vacancy if he is asked to succeed Berti Vogts.

The German resigned his position at the start of the month after a series of poor results, including the embarrassing 1-1 draw in Moldova in the World Cup qualifiers.

Smith and ex-Coventry and Southampton boss Gordon Strachan are widely tipped as the two main contenders to take over from the one-time World Cup winner.

But Vogts’ assistant Tommy Burns took charge of the team for the midweek friendly at Easter Road.

However, the former Rangers and Everton boss met with Scottish Football Association officials for an interview on Friday.

But Smith maintains any thoughts of him being given the job are “premature”.

He told Setanta: “Wednesday did not tell you anything. Scotland had 12 withdrawals from the team and Scotland cannot afford to have 12 withdrawals from their team.

“They had a lot of younger players in there who were placed in a situation where they were coming up against a steady and experienced international side even though they were missing one of two players.

“It was a very difficult task for Tommy Burns to handle in that game. Sweden are a good side and have good players.

“They are in far steadier position than Scotland are in at the moment.”

But Smith played down suggestions he had already got the job.

He added: “Not yet, that is all a bit premature.

“I met with the SFA yesterday and, while it was a decent meeting, no decision was taken.”