However, the 53-year-old Scot said he sees his future in the "day-to-day business" of club football.

"Walter Smith has monstrous experience, but maybe it is Gordon's turn due to where he has been," McLeish told BBC Radio 5 live.

Strachan, a former Scottish international who played for Aberdeen, Manchester United and Leeds United amongst others, has managed Coventry City, Southampton and Celtic, responsible for steering the Glasgow giants to the last 16 of the Champions League for the first time in their history.

His last management job was as boss of Championship side Middlesbrough. He quit in October 2010 after just a year in charge and now works as a football pundit on television.

"He has a very good television job, but maybe he is too much in a comfort zone andwants to get back in among the players again," said McLeish.

Former Scotland striker Kevin Gallacher is another who believes Strachan could resurrect the nation's football fortunes. "He's a younger manager and his enthusiasm could rejuvenate us," he said.

However, Gallacher was quick to highlight other candidates, among them former Scottish internationals Kenny Dalglish and Joe Jordan.

He also thinks Smith, who was Scotland boss from December 2004 to January 2007, would be a good option.

"Walter Smith has unfinished business," said Gallagher. "He's experienced and done it before. Bring him in and give him another shot."

Jordan, 60, has been out of work since Harry Redknapp's surprise sacking by Tottenham Hotspur in the summer. The Scot spent four years as a member of the first-team coaching staff at White Hart Lane.

"For my