[kenny hoggan]

Well allow McGhee to talk to SFA

McGhee has been praised for his spell in charge of Motherwell
Motherwell have granted manager Mark McGhee permission to speak to the Scottish Football Association about the vacant Scotland job.
McGhee is on a four-man shortlist alongside Tommy Burns, Graeme Souness and George Burley.

And Well owner John Boyle said: "Understandably, he wants to hear what the SFA have to say.

"In fairness to him, Motherwell have reluctantly agreed to give permission to the SFA to speak to him."

McGhee, who took over at Fir Park last summer, has insisted he will not leave without the "absolute consensus" of everyone at the Scottish Premier League club.

But, following the approach from the SFA, the 50-year-old held talks with Boyle on Tuesday evening.

Obviously, we are very keen to keep him as the Motherwell manager - and I have put a range of proposals to him

"Mark and I had a very constructive and amicable meeting," said Boyle. "He is on a three-year contract with the club.

"He is happy here and is looking forward to the rest of the season at Fir Park.

"Obviously, we are very keen to keep him as the Motherwell manager - and I have put a range of proposals to him.

"He has made it clear publicly and to the club that he would not want to let us down."

McGhee, the former Aberdeen and Celtic striker, has previous management experience with Reading, Wolves and Brighton.

He has received widespread praise for Motherwell's performances this season and his leadership following the death of club captain Phil O`Donnell on 29 December.

BBC Sport understands that the SFA expects to be given permission by Southampton to talk to their manager, Burley.

Celtic will also not stand in the way of Burns should their coach and former Scotland assistant wish to speak to the SFA.

Former Rangers, Liverpool and Newcastle manager Souness is presently unemployed.