Naismith reveals talks over future Scotland role but plays down Moyes links

Scotland assistant Steven Naismith plays down David Moyes links as he reveals talks over future national role The former Scotland forward is set to remain part of the national team set-up; David Moyes has been linked with replacing Steve Clarke after he stepped down following Scotland's World Cup exit; Scotland return to action in the Nations League in September Wednesday 29 July 2026 12:03, UK Scotland assistant Steven Naismith expects to remain involved with the national team regardless of who is appointed as Steve Clarke’s successor. The 39-year-old was appointed in August 2025, working under Clarke during the team's World Cup qualification campaign and at this summer's tournament. The Scottish FA are currently working on a shortlist for Clarke's successor following his decision to quit following their World Cup exit - a month after he signed a new four-year deal. - 'Nothing's off the table' | SFA on finding Clarke replacement - Clarke says it was 'time to step away' from Scotland job - Got Sky? Watch now on the Sky Sports app 📱 - Not got Sky? Get instant access with no contract 📺 Naismith, who had a spell as Hearts' head coach, has been linked with replacing Clarke, but insisted he will do what is required to take Scotland forward. "Being with the SFA over the last few years is probably a really enjoyable moment for me," he told Sky Sports News. "The kind of conversations have all been that I'll be involved somewhere. "The next manager has to be somebody who's got a bit of experience and can, because I think it's a critical moment for us as a national association. "I think that appointment has to be somebody who's got a bit of experience and can progress what has been done. "For me, I'm ready to help wherever I may be, and that's always been the case over the last two or three years. "I've done a lot on the coach education side. I've went through my pro licence on the coaching side as well so I do feel as if I've got some skills within all these areas that I can contribute. "Whatever I need to do in the short term, I will do, because I want to make Scotland as good as it can be." Former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez, Falkirk's John McGlynn and David Moyes are among the other names being touted as Clarke's replacement. Naismith, though, does not expect his former Everton boss to take charge. "David Moyes is one of the best Scottish managers, I think, that the country's produced," the former Toffees forward added. "He's in a brilliant job at the moment, probably his perfect job. "If I'm honest, I think that's probably unlikely, because he's been in Everton at a time where it needs a big rebuild, and it's probably similar to when he took over first time round. "So I think that one's unlikely, but he's a fantastic manager, and I think before he retires, I'm pretty sure we would see him in the Scotland dugout." When will a new head coach be appointed? Scotland are back in action in September as their Nations League campaign begins. While SFA CEO Ian Maxwell hopes to appoint someone "as soon as we can", he added it is key "we get the right coach". With those games a few months away, if no permanent successor is found, another option could be an interim appointment. When do Scotland play again? Whoever replaces Clarke will find themselves in action in September in the Nations League. The first tie is away to Slovenia on September 26, with their first four games played in a two-week period. The six group games are played in a three-month window, concluding with a trip to take on Switzerland on November 16. Scotland were demoted from League A after a play-off defeat by Greece last year and return to the second tier for this year's competition. The new boss will then hope to lead Scotland to the UK and Ireland co-hosted Euros in 2028, and then the World Cup in four years.