Scotland manager Craig Levein is facing a supporter backlash after his side took just two points from their opening two home World Cup 2014 qualification matches. The team were booed off the pitch following Tuesday night’s draw with Macedonia, a team they were expected to beat at Hampden Park. Levein remains typically defiant but as things stand his future is shrouded in doubt.
Despite the disappointment of failing to beat Serbia or Macedonia, Scotland are by no means out of contention at this early stage. However, they face the daunting prospect of playing four out of their next five qualification games away from home, which includes tricky trips to Belgium, Serbia and Croatia. Scotland are currently fourth in Group A with two points, with Belgium, Croatia and Serbia all locked at the top with four points apiece. The bookmakers’ do not favour Scotland’s chances, with BetVictor pricing the Tartan Army at 50/1 to finish top of the group and 16/1 to come in the top two.
Levein took charge of the national side towards the end of 2009. He failed to guide Scotland to the European Championships after they finished third behind Spain and Czech Republic in Group I. His qualification record doesn't make for good reading, with only three wins in 10 matches, with two coming against lowly Liechtenstein.
The Next Scotland Manager Odds show that the former Tartan Army boss Walter Smith is currently the early 4/1 favourite to replace Levein should he be sacked. Other names in the mix include Gordon Strachan (6/1), Alex McLeish (7/1) and Owen Coyle, who is available at 10/1.
