Burns set to become Scottish assistant manager

Scotland assistant manager Tommy Burns has confirmed he expects to continue in the same role under Walter Smith.

The appointment of Smith as successor to Berti Vogts is expected to be confirmed later today by the Scottish Football Association after a board meeting.

Celtic head of youth development Burns will ask Hoops boss Martin O’Neill and chief executive Peter Lawwell for permission, which appears certain to be granted, to continue his work with the national team.

Burns told the Scottish Sun: “Walter has asked me to stay and work alongside him in the same capacity as I was in before. I’m thrilled to have been given that chance as I have always considered it a great honour to be involved with Scotland.

“I will be more than happy to do this but anything I do must be done with Celtic’s approval. Now I must speak to Martin O’Neill and Peter Lawwell to have their thoughts on it.”

Burns and former Rangers manager Smith were Old Firm rivals in the 1990s and the ex-Celtic boss took charge of the national team for the 4-1 friendly defeat by Sweden last month.