STEWART Regan, the SFA chief executive, today confirmed that Malky Mackay, the governing body's performance director, will not be taking over as Scotland manager.

Mackay is in interim charge of the national side for the friendly against Netherlands this evening at Pittodrie and had refused to rule himself out of the running for the position.

But when asked if Mackay is in contention to replace Gordon Strachan permanently by talkSPORT, Regan said: "No, Malky and I have discussed this. He's got a big job on his hands, he's said that himself.

"He's been asked by the board to take charge for one game and that's what he's doing. He's very proud to lead his country."

Strachan stood down last month after four and a half years in charge after failing to secure a Russia 2018 play-off spot.

Regan stressed the SFA had been inundated with expressions of interest in the post, but would take their time appointing the next manager.

"We have got a very long list of candidates, as you can imagine for an opportunity like this," Regan added.

"We don't have a competitive game until next September and therefore this is not something we need to rush into.

"We are going to take our time, we're going to consider the candidates and we're going to try to identify the person we believe can lead us to Euro 2020.

"There isn't really a time frame on it, we will find the right person and make an appointment.

"There's lots of people that have put their name in the frame - out-of-work managers and a number of managers who are already under contract. We've had a lot of interest in the job.

"When we have had a chance to review that list and come up with a shortlist, then we'll decide who we are going to see."