SIR Alex Ferguson turned down the chance to manage Scotland on a part-time basis before George Burley was appointed to the role last January, it was claimed today.

A direct enquiry was reported to have been made by the Scottish Football Association's board after Alex McLeish departed for Birmingham City, with a view to appointing Ferguson while allowing the 67-year-old to continue with his job at Manchester United.

However, it quickly became apparent that Ferguson was not willing to return to international football.

Ferguson, who was part of the Scotland set-up when they qualified for the 1986 World Cup, stepped into the manager's position on a caretaker basis after the death of Jock Stein.

The SFA have refused to comment.