Gordon Strachan 1/2
FOR: Fifty caps with Scotland as a player, 15 years in management including a successful spell at Celtic. Robust enough to handle the scrutiny and has the backing of his apparent rival Alex McLeish.
AGAINST: Has not managed for two years following a disappointing stint with Middlesbrough. His abrasive style with the media may not win many friends amid a tricky qualifying campaign.
Joe Jordan 10/1
FOR: One of Scotland's greatest players, having won 42 caps in the 1970s and early 80s. Would command instant respect in the dressing room and does not suffer fools gladly.
AGAINST: Has not managed since 1997, carving out a successful career as a coach instead. Though international management is different from club level, he may lack experience.
Owen Coyle 12/1
FOR: A highly-regarded coach who would inject some much-needed style into the Scottish team. Craig Levein was accused of failing to get the best out of his flair players - Coyle would fix that.
AGAINST: The Glasgow-born Coyle represented the Republic of Ireland as a player. Scottish football being what it is, that could alienate a chunk of the team's support.
Alex McLeish 16/1
FOR: A safe pair of hands. Has done the job before, enjoying great success in a brief nine-month spell in 2007. Is without work after leaving Aston Villa.
AGAINST: Says he does not want the job. Not exactly famed for his teams' expansive football, though he rejects claims of being boring.
Billy Davies 25/1
FOR: Has enjoyed successfully both sides of the border. Very unlucky to lose his last two jobs with Derby County and Nottingham Forest.
AGAINST: Has never managed a club at the very highest level. Has previously clashed with the media.
Graeme Souness 25/1
FOR: A vastly experienced boss whose former clubs include Rangers, Liverpool, Benfica and Newcastle. Still a relatively young man at 59.
AGAINST: Has not managed since 2006, and seems happy in his role as a TV pundit.
Kenny Dalglish 25/1
FOR: One of Scotland's greatest players, Dalglish is an inspirational figure who could bring some magic back to the Scotland side.
AGAINST: His recent stint at Liverpool was shambolic - outmoded tactics and a churlish approach to his media commitments make him unsuitable for the Scotland job.
Billy Stark 28/1
FOR: The current caretaker manager is the man in possession, and a convincing performance in the upcoming friendly against Luxembourg could make him a real contender.
AGAINST: His previous management experience at Morton, St Johnstone, Queen's Park and Scotland U21s does not hint at a manager destined for the top job.
Other contenders: John Collins, Walter Smith, Ally McCoist, Peter Houston, Derek McInnes, Malky Mackay.
