PAUL Hoffmann last night urged Cricket Scotland officials to consider making the former Australian Test bowler Andy Bichel their new head coach.

The former internationalist believes Scotland should go down the same route as Ireland by appointing a recognised world figure when they replace the outgoing Pete Steindl.

Hoffmann insists his fellow Queenslander could inspire some of the success that the Irish have enjoyed under the former West Indies great Phil Symonds.

"I played with Andy in our days with Queensland Country Districts and I know the qualities he would bring," said Hoffmann. "His enthusiasm and willingness to give nothing but 100% in everything he does would be infectious in the squad. He would work the boys hard but would always give them plenty of respect."

Bichel, currently an Australian national selector, has experience of Associate cricket after coaching Papua New Guinea for two years.

The 43-year-old toured Scotland with an Australia A squad when he was on the verge of a successful international career that yielded 86 caps as well as a World Cup winners' medal in 2003.

Hoffmann added: "He's played at the highest level and worked with great coaches and players. Andy was one of the toughest competitors as a player and we all remember his never-say-die attitude. I think his appointment would definitely tick a number of boxes."

However, Hoffmann is just as convinced that Scotland could do worse than looking closer to home by promoting the Under-19 coach Craig Wright. "Craig might well be the frontrunner and has earned his badges coaching through the ranks. Having played with Craig I know he would do a great job as well."

Steindl paid the price earlier this week for Scotland's failure to qualify for the T20 World Cup. He had a year of his contract still to run and is currently in the process of negotiating a severance package.