Sbragia wants to see a Scot replace Wotte

The future of Scottish football will be put on hold for 10 days.

Once the dust has settled on the meetings with the Republic and England, the focus will be back improving the game north of the Border.

The recent departure of Performance Director Mark Wotte was followed last week by Under-21 coach Billy Stark.

Under-19 boss Ricky Sbragia, who has temporarily taken over from Stark, believes it’s vital the SFA replaces Wotte with a Scot.

He said: “The next man should probably be Scottish, and he should be living in Scotland. He would understand the Scottish mentality and know how difficult it is in Scottish football, especially financially.

“But the people above me might think something else.”

While Sbragia is keen to see a Scot replace a Dutchman, he is quick to praise the job done by Mark Wotte.

He went on: “He did very well. The Performance Schools are excellent and there is now a foundation for the future that wasn’t previously there.

“There’s better communication with the clubs and a bit of give and go, which is important.

“That has taken time, and we have had to realise that it’s not all about us.

“I think that is down to the Performance Director and him having that communication.”

Sbragia takes the Under-21s to Switzerland for a friendly on the day the full side plays England at Celtic Park.

Before then, he will see Roy Keane the man he took over from as Sunderland manager arrive as Ireland’s assistant boss.

Sbragia recalled: “When I was at Man United, Roy came to reserve games and asked to come into the dressing-room before games and at half-time.

“Then when I was at Sunderland, Roy was fantastic.

“He was hard working, very loyal and he knows the game. So I was surprised when he left.

“The chairman, Niall Quinn, asked me to take over as I knew the players, but it was only short term.

“As for Roy, it will be good for him to be learning from an experienced manager in Martin O’Neill.”