GRAEME Souness believes David Moyes is the outstanding candidate for the vacant Scotland manager's job and that the post should go to a Scotsman.

Gordon Strachan left the role earlier this month after failing to secure a Russia 2018 play-off spot on the final day of qualifying. 

Former Rangers and Liverpool manager Souness, who was capped 54 times by his country, told BBC Five Live that the idea of a foreign coach taking over does not appeal to him. 

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Moyes was highlighted as the standout contender for the 64-year-old, despite a string of unsuccesful spells at Manchester United, Real Sociedad and Sunderland.

"It should be a Scotsman," said Souness. 

"There are several candidates but I think David Moyes is the outstanding one.

"I don’t think we have to go foreign. I don’t think a foreign coach would bring anything to the table except not speaking Scottish.

"How do you follow Fergie? How do you do that. Whoever did that, I think it was bound to end in failure.

"David understands the Scottish mentality, we are quite different. And I’d like to see a Scotsman as manager." 

It was confirmed last Friday that Scottish FA performance director Malky Mackay will take chage of the national team for November's friendly against the Netherlands at Pittodrie.