O'Neill's Burns concern

[Celticrugby]

O'Neill's Burns concern

by Mark Buckingham



Celtic boss Martin O'Neill admits he would be reticent about allowing Tommy Burns to take on the Scotland job permanently.

Burns is currently in temporary charge of the Scotland national team following the recent departure of Berti Vogts.

He was not initially expected to be among the contenders to succeed the German but he now seems to be a prime candidate.

That has left O'Neill concerned as he is keen for Burns to concentrate on his post as director of youth development at Parkhead.

O'Neill concedes it would be a tough decision whether to sanction Burns' departure should he be offered the Scottish role.

"At first I thought Tommy was doing the job only in the interim but things have hurtled on at a fair pace and he now seems to be in contention for the job," commented O'Neill.

"On the football side I wouldn't stand in someone's way but Tommy has an important job here in terms of youth development.

"That issue would have to be passed onto our board to find out their reaction.

"Managing your country is a great opportunity but it would be a bit disconcerting to lose someone from the club."

Burns admits he is unsure about his prospects of landing the job but has previously acknowledged his interest. He stated: "There is no timetable for talks and I was told to take the job for the foreseeable future. After that I don't know."