Craig Levein has emerged as top choice to lead Scotland in the Euro 2012 qualifiers after he topped stv.tv’s poll on who should succeed George Burley. The Dundee United manager was named as one of the early favourites following Burley’s sacking on Monday and he was a popular choice with the Scotland fans who voted.

Levein won 25% of all votes cast, putting him well ahead of Walter Smith in second place. Rangers manager Smith, who managed the national team from 2004 to 2007, took 20% of the votes.

There was a clear appetite for giving a young manager a chance with Darren Ferguson and John Collins taking third and fourth place, polling 14% and 11% of the votes respectively. Both Ferguson and Collins are unemployed but have shown some potential early in their managerial career.

Experienced pair Jim Jefferies and Jimmy Calderwood both took one in ten votes and Calderwood has already said he would be interested in the role.

There was not much support for Gary McAllister or Owen Coyle, with both just getting 7% of the vote. Ex-Republic of Ireland international Coyle has taken Burnley to the English Premier League and has said he wants to finish what he started at the Lancashire club.

The SFA have said they are in no rush to appoint a new manager but would like the new man in place before the draw for the European Championship qualifiers in February. Scotland have a friendly against the Czech Republic scheduled for march but no competitive games until next September.

Poll results:

Who should succeed George Burley as Scotland manager?

Craig Levein - 25%
Walter Smith - 20%
Darren Ferguson - 14%
John Collins - 11%
Jim Jefferies - 10%
Jimmy Calderwood - 10%
Gary McAllister- 7%
Owen Coyle - 7%