Doc happy to help

Former Scotland manager Tommy Docherty has urged Walter Smith to call him if he needs any help assessing new talent.

Scotland have slipped to 86th in the FIFA world rankings – below Burkina Faso and Syria – after a disastrous 2004 under Berti Vogts.

The German quit his post with the Scottish Football Association at the start of November after an embarrassing 1-1 draw in Moldova signalled the end of his reign, with just two points from three World Cup qualifying games.

Former Rangers and Everton manager Smith has now been charged with the unenviable task of turning around the fortunes of the national team, starting with the qualifier in Italy in March next year.

Former Manchester United and Chelsea manager Docherty is convinced he can be of assistance and said: “I don’t think the SFA ring enough experienced people like myself, who have done something in the game.

“All it takes is for someone to say: ‘Hey Doc, I’m not in the area but could you have a look at this guy for me?’

“I wrote to the SFA when Berti was appointed and offered my assistance but I never heard a word.

“A national manager needs as much as help as they can get and all it takes is a phone call.”