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Scotland are looking for a fresh path after Steve Clarke’s exit, and former international captain Gary McAllister has now shared his view on the upcoming appointment. Although Steven Naismith is still seen as the leading contender, McAllister feels the Scottish FA should aim higher and turn to a big-name coach with UEFA Champions League-level credentials.

McAllister backs Benitez for the job

The Scottish FA is presently at a major turning point as it works to find Steve Clarke’s replacement. Even though in-house option Steven Naismith has been strongly backed in many quarters to take charge, Gary McAllister believes the governing body ought to show greater ambition. The former Liverpool midfielder has openly called on the SFA to look at Rafael Benitez, a manager who has already proved himself at the top end of European football.

Speaking to talkSPORT, McAllister said Benitez stands out from the names currently available. He pointed out that other high-profile figures such as Roberto Martinez and David Moyes may simply be beyond reach in financial terms, while the Spaniard is actively searching for his next role. "With Roberto Martinez and Moyesy, I don’t think they’re gettable," McAllister explained. "The salaries they’ve been working for, I don’t know if the SFA pay that."

Tactical discipline and elite-level experience

McAllister’s support for Benitez is based on the manager’s long-standing reputation for detailed planning and tactical discipline. Having spent time at Anfield himself, the Scot has paid close attention to what players who worked under the former Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid manager have said about him.

Explaining what Benitez could bring to the Hampden Park dugout, McAllister said: "All the guys I’ve played with in my little, short period at Liverpool and the players that played under Rafa speak so highly of him. The discipline, the preparation. He’s a winner as well, he’s won everything. Somebody like that is who you’d want as an international manager."

Doubts over promoting Naismith

In spite of Naismith’s close knowledge of the current squad, after working as Clarke’s assistant during the 2026 World Cup campaign, McAllister feels the job may have arrived too early for the former Everton forward. Naismith’s only earlier experience as the main man came during his spell at Hearts, where he posted a win percentage of 43.1 per cent.

Giving an honest verdict on the names in the frame, McAllister added: "I know it might never happen but there’s no outstanding candidate for me, I don’t see one. Steven Naismith, Clarkey’s assistant might just be a step too much for his first job. I think Derek McInnes would have been in contention if he hadn’t gone to Glasgow Rangers."

The SFA’s big call approaches

The SFA is under pressure to make an appointment quickly ahead of next month’s Nations League matches. Naismith has been closely involved within the set-up, progressing from academy coaching to the first-team dugout at Tynecastle before moving into the national team staff.

In the end, the choice comes down to whether the SFA wants to continue with Naismith for the sake of continuity or move in a different direction with a high-profile outsider. With Benitez currently without a club and carrying a CV that includes a UEFA Champions League title and two La Liga crowns, he would mark a major shift away from the usual Scottish managerial path.