McLeish takes over as Scotland manager

Former Rangers coach Alex McLeish was handed the task of leading Scotland to the Euro 2008 finals after being named as Walter Smith's replacement. The 48-year-old former Scotland international will lead the national team through the rest of the Euro...

Former Rangers coach Alex McLeish was handed the task of leading Scotland to the Euro 2008 finals after being named as Walter Smith's replacement.

The 48-year-old former Scotland international will lead the national team through the rest of the Euro 2008 campaign and take Scotland towards the World Cup in 2010, the Scottish FA said.

Smith quit the post for Rangers on Jan. 10.

"To say I am thrilled is an understatement," McLeish, renowned as a tough-tackling defender in a 17-year playing career that earned him 77 international caps, told a news conference.

"To be manager of your home nation is a very proud day indeed for Alex McLeish and my family and friends."

McLeish said speaking to Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, for whom he formed a highly-effective defensive partnership alongside Willie Miller in the successful Aberdeen side in the 1980s, had helped convince him to take the post.

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