GLASGOW: Gordon Strachan has been confirmed as the new manager of Scotland in succession to Craig Levein who was sacked last November.

The former Celtic manager’s first match in charge will be next month’s friendly against Estonia ahead of the remaining six World Cup qualifying ties.

Scotland host Wales at Hampden on March 22 and face Serbia away four days later though qualification for Brazil 2014 already looks out of reach  since Scotland are bottom of Group A and eight points off the pace after only four games.

Strachan, who won 50 caps for Scotland, enjoyed a largely successful period as Celtic manager between 2005 and 2009 but has been out of management since leaving Middlesbrough in October, 2010.

He has made no secret of his ambition to manage Scotland.

# # # #