Jordan linked to Scotland post

Joe Jordan was yesterday refusing to rule himself out of contention for the job of Scotland national coach.

The former Manchester United and Leeds United striker has emerged as one of the leading contenders to succeed Craig Brown in the Scottish job. He is currently the assistant to Lou Macari at Huddersfield Town, where his contract expires at the end of the season.

But, although the former Bristol City manager was remaining tight-lipped yesterday, he admitted to being flattered by the speculation. "This is something I can't really comment on at the moment – you'll have to talk to the people at the SFA and those who make the decisions," he said. "I am working at Huddersfield Town at this particular moment, but it's very flattering to be mentioned.

"But, as I say, I'm employed by Huddersfield Town and while I'm very flattered to be mentioned for such a prestigious job, that's as far as I can go."

The Scottish Football Association's chief executive David Taylor is drawing up a shortlist of possible managers. Gordon Strachan, Terry Venables and George Graham are a number of names being linked with the post, but Jordan could be a popular choice among the "Tartan Army".

Ipswich Town's George Burley is another Premiership manager to have counted himself out, following the Everton manager Walter Smith having done so last week. "It's flattering to be considered for such a role, but I signed a new contract with Ipswich in the summer," Burley said.

However, the Italian legend Dino Zoff has emerged as a shock candidate after he told the Scottish FA that he wants the job. The former Italy coach, out of work after being sacked by the Serie A side Lazio, admits that leading Scotland is a challenge he would relish.

Zoff said: "If Scotland want to consider me then I will listen to what they have to say. I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to jet over to Scotland to talk about the situation. I desperately want to get back into football and the post interests me. It would be a big step to move to another country, but I'm prepared to do that if the set-up is correct."

* Sebastian Deisler is set to miss Germany's World Cup play-off matches against Ukraine. The Hertha Berlin midfielder, who plays either wide right or in the centre for Rudi Völler's team, sustained a right-knee injury and was forced off as his team lost 4-0 to Hamburg on Saturday. He will be out for four to six weeks.