Brown tips Smith for success

Former Scotland manager Craig Brown has tipped Walter Smith to cause a sensational upset in his first competitive game if he accepts the job as successor to Berti Vogts (pictured).

The Scottish Football Association has refused to confirm or deny reports the Scotland managerial role has already been offered to the former Rangers and Everton boss.

But the 56-year-old is widely tipped to be confirmed as Vogts’ successor at an SFA board meeting at Hampden Park on Thursday.

Smith has been the bookmakers’ favourite ever since the embarrassing 1-1 draw in Moldova signalled the end of the German’s time in charge of the team. Now the SFA looks to have got its man with an unconfirmed four-year deal on the table.

But Brown, who was in charge of the Scotland team for eight years between 1993 and 2001, believes the impact of Smith could be felt in his first competitive match in charge in March next year if the ex-Ibrox boss accepts the post.

Brown told Sky Sports News: “Fingers were pointed at Berti and some results could have been better.”