STEWART REGAN, the chief executive of the Scottish Football Association, has backed UEFA president Michel Platini in his bid to succeed Sepp Blatter at FIFA.

Platini has received indications of support from four continental confederations and Regan insists the Frenchman has already shown himself more than capable of turning round world football's troubled governing body.

"Michel Platini has done a fantastic job at UEFA," said Regan. "He's developed the financial revenue streams for football and has led the way, led from the top.

"He's allowed every national association to have a voice. He consults and engages with chief executives and presidents and that's been a breath of fresh air.

"He listens and he's very innovative and creative. We believe he'd be a very good choice for FIFA president.

"He'll gather a lot of support. My understanding is he already has the backing of four of the six confederations."

Blatter is standing down as president in the wake of the corruption crisis engulfing FIFA with the vote for the new leader taking place in Zurich on February 26.

"For football's sake, there is a need for a new leader, someone football unites behind and whom the 209 member associations support," said Regan.

"I don't for a minute think everyone will support one candidate, but it's important a significant majority get behind one candidate to take football forward.

"People are looking for a safe pair of hands, someone that can lead the organisation through change, someone with a good track record who understands football. Michel Platini is all of those things."