Owen Coyle has admitted he would welcome an approach from the Scottish Football Association to discuss becoming the next Scotland manager.

The former Bolton manager, who was sacked by the npower Championship club last month, has been touted as a prominent candidate to replace Craig Levein.

Levein was sacked on Monday night following a disappointing start to Scotland's World Cup qualifying campaign that has left the national team bottom of their group and without a win in four games.

Coyle would be a bold appointment were he to be selected but it may still prove a difficult task to tempt him north as his reputation remains high in England after a successful spell at Burnley and, initially, at Bolton. Indeed, Coyle has already turned down approaches from clubs south of the border.

"I'm always open to hearing what someone has to say. It's a great job, that's for sure," he said. "It's a fantastic job for whoever's lucky enough to be asked to lead Scotland.

"I've already turned down a couple of approaches down here, but I've listened to what people have had to say. And, for me, the next thing has to be the right fit in terms of matching the same ambition as I have.

"There's no doubt there's a good squad of players there. I think Scotland are very fortunate that there's many fantastic candidates capable of doing that job."

The most popular candidate among Scotland fans is Gordon Strachan, who has been out of the game since leaving Middlesbrough two years ago. His capacity to succeed in the role has been endorsed by Niall McGinn, who Strachan signed for Celtic in 2009.

"I went to Celtic under Gordon," said the forward, who has been in impressive form this season for Strachan's former club Aberdeen. "He's a top man and has great experience. He would have a big task ahead if he is appointed but he's definitely got the players to do a good job."

McGinn also believes that Strachan would favour a more attacking approach than Levein did. "I think he would get the team playing good football and bring the passion back as well as giving the fans the kind of performances that would excite them," he said. "That's what the fans need – I think Gordon can deliver."