New Scotland boss will face Croatia debut

[Mislav]

Scotland's new coach is set to face Croatia in his first match after the Scottish FA announced a friendly match against Slaven Bilic's side at Hampden Park on March 26.

The SFA expect to appoint a successor to Alex McLeish by the end of January, with Motherwell manager Mark McGhee, Southampton's George Burley, Tommy Burns and Graeme Souness the leading candidates.

With no other matches scheduled before the Croatia clash, SFA chief executive Gordon Smith confirmed: "This will be the new manager's first game in charge."

Burley expects to be interviewed by the SFA later this week but he admitted it would be tough to leave Southampton.

"It is a great honour that Scotland asked to speak to me and that will happen in the next few days," he told the club's website.

"There is a lot to consider. I am very happy at Southampton but if your country asks to speak to you then it is only right to do so."