GLASGOW: Craig Levein’s three-year stint as manager of Scotland has been ended by the SFA – the day before the international squad is due to be named for next month’s friendly away to Luxembourg writes KEIR RADNEDGE.

Levein, 48, leaves with Scotland bottom of Group A of the European World Cup qualifying competition.

The seven-man SFA board began deliberations last week over the future of the former Hearts, Leicester City, Hearts and Dundee United manager whose contract was due to expire in the summer of 2014. Reports suggest that severence could cost the SFA £700,000.

Early favourites are headed by Gordon Strachan, the ex-Leeds and Southampton manager, former Scotland boss Alex McLeish who was sacked by Aston Villa in the summer and Mark Wotte, the Dutchman brought in by Levein as SFA performance director.

Speculation about Levein, appointed in December 2009, arose after Scotland drew their opening Hampden qualifiers against Serbia and Macedonia. That was exacerbated by subsequent defeats against Wales and Belgium.

Scotland have only won three of 12 competitive matches under Levein.

Local media have reported that last week Levein sought in vain to persuade SFA president Campbell Ogilivie and chief executive Stewart Regan to give him more time.

Scotland, who have taken a mere two points from four World Cup qualifiers, return to competitive action at home to Wales on March 22.

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