FORMER Wanderers boss Neil Lennon says he is not tempted to put himself forward for the vacant Scotland job.

The Northern Irishman, currently in charge of Hibs, was among the early bookmakers’ favourites to succeed Gordon Strachan, who left the job today.

But speaking just prior to the SFA’s announcement, the ex-Celtic man said it was not the right time in his career to be looking at international management.

“Not really, not at the minute,” he told The BBC. “I get surprised when I see younger managers taking it on. Mark Hughes went straight into it and Slaven Bilic did it with Croatia.

"I just think the gap between the games is huge."

Sam Allardyce remains one of the favourites for the post at 5/1, just behind Paul Lambert, Malky Mackay and David Moyes.

Owen Coyle – now at Ross County - has also been included in the extended running, as has former Bolton players Alan Stubbs and Mixu Paatelainen.