That's about it for our live text coverage of Scotland's appointment as Alex McLeish as their new manager. A rather unconventional media conference as the SFA parade their new man but McLeish was clear in his vision for the future - steer the Scots to a major finals for the first time since France 98.

Alex McLeish video, further reaction and analysis coming up across our Digital platforms throughout the course of the day and this weekend.

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Gordon Strachan was unable to end Scotland's long wait to get back to a major tournament, which now stretches back almost 20 years.

However, the Scots have not lost a competitive match since November 2016 and have won four of their past eight games.

"There is much to be positive about in Scottish football, with players playing at the highest level and promising talent breaking through," added former Rangers and Birmingham City boss McLeish, who previously won seven of 10 games when in charge of the national side.

Alex McLeish admits he is "incredibly fortunate" to be given a second opportunity to manage Scotland.

McLeish, who has a contract until 2020,replaces Gordon Strachan as head coach 11 years after leaving the job to take charge of Birmingham City.

The 59-year-old will lead the Scots into their Uefa Nations League and Euro 2020 qualifying campaigns.

"I am relishing the challenge of leading us to a major tournament and I cannot wait to get started," he said.

"It is a tremendous honour to be named Scotland head coach."

McLeish's first games in charge will be against Costa Rica and Hungary next month, followed by further friendly matches in Peru in May and Mexico in June.

Image source, Getty Images

His debut competitive games will be the Uefa Nations League encounters against Albania at home on 10 September, then in Israel on 11 October.

Scotland have not reached a major finals since the 1998 World Cup in France - and McLeish aims to halt that unwanted record.

"it goes without saying but the goals are to win the Nations League group and get to the Euros in 2020. I’m up for the challenge and I believe that I’m the right guy for the job."

John Smith: An utter shambles of a press conference which will mirror exactly Alex McLeish's tenure. An outrageously poor appointment. McRae looking on gormlessly as always. Rank incompetency. It's embarrassing. No more national team for me.

Mightwell1886: Look, can't even do a press conference right. McRae can't even crack a smile he's that embarrassed.

Kevin Meldrum: It’s not only the worst case of job for the boys, but a backward step of epic proportions. With exception of Malky there was no poorer option. Joke appointment that shows how useless the SFA are.

Craig Mclauchlan: I can't recall this much anger and disappointment at a Scotland appointment.

Simon Jones: Good luck Eck, he's got my support, I was worried Gary Caldwell might get it.

Frank Crombie: We all need to get behind Alex (Big Eck) wish him all the best for future.

Former Scottish Premier League chief executive Roger Mitchell has backed the appointment of Alex McLeish.

However, the post of Scottish FA chief executive remains vacant and Mitchell said of the governing body: “The organisation is a political one.

"It’s trying to manage many, many different agendas. The agenda of Celtic is not that of St Johnstone and certainly not that of Cove Rangers. It’s an organisation of compromise and consensus.

“How do you break through that? Like in politics, you need bravery. You need somebody that’s prepared to take some hits, get a bloody nose, to actually push things forward."

And Mitchell added on BBC Radio Scotland's John Beattie programme: “In my experience in football administration, there aren’t many very brave people around and that’s the challenge. You get too many people that are just prepared to just sit there for a decade and take a salary and just preside over calm waters.”

Image source, SNS

David Currie
BBC Sport Scotland at Hampden

I've been speaking to some Scotland supporters who gathered outside Hampden following news of Alex McLeish's appointment.

Here' s a flavour of what they said...

"He's going to need all the luck he can get, but I hope he does well."

"I hope he does well; we [Scotland] could certainly be doing with it. We've been struggling for a good few years now."

"It's a good appointment; it would be good to return to watching exciting football again and get the crowd behind the national side."

William Devine: SFA could not pick their noses.

Fraser Thorburn: The SFA could have appointed a hungry young manager with a fresh outlook and new ideas. Instead, it's the usual old pals act getting Alex McLeish in. Utter joke of a decision.

John Daly, Tartan Army: "I'm neither inspired or distraught. I think it's a good appointment. Alex McLeish's track record with the national team is very good. Let's just see how it pans out."

Former Scotland manager Craig Brown: "I think it's an excellent appointment. It wouldn't have surprised me had the SFA gone initially to Alex McLeish because he looked like an outstanding candidate.

But the fact that they have approached, to our knowledge, at least another two before him... I don't think that will trouble Alex.

He's a guy of some substance; a great presence in the dressing room. He's a terrific fellow, no-one says a word against Alex McLeish and he's totally committed to the Scotland cause."

Brown led Scotland to Euro 96 and the 1998 World Cup, the finals in France being the last time Scotland qualified for the big show...

Image source, sns

David Currie
BBC Sport Scotland at Hampden

Alex McLeish says there are a lot of exciting young players coming through that gives him hope of building on momentum built by Gordon Strachan.

Edward Stewart: The big man is a legend.

David Cullinan: Wasn't my first choice, but didn't he win 7 of his 10 games as Scotland manager before? He's here now, so we should get behind him and see what he can accomplish. Let's be honest, he can't be any worse than what we've had lately!

Jamie Lynch: Hashtag anger & disappointment.

Scotland manager Alex McLeish: I’m absolutely ecstatic to be back. Of course, it goes without saying but the goals are to win the Nations League group and get to the Euros in 2020.

“I’m up for the challenge and I believe that I’m the right guy for the job. It’s great to back to see a lot of familiar faces. Onwards and upwards…”

Image source, sns

Lewis McInnes: Top class appointment.

Duncan Mackay: Not exactly inspiring.

Mick Dee: Backward step.

Scott Waterfield: Anyone who walks away from the Scotland job to take over a club team [no matter who it is] should never be allowed the job back. Walk away from your country once and it should never be allowed to happen again.

Joe Howie: Great manager and massive advantage knowing what he’s going into.

George Gray: Good appointment as far as I’m concerned. Gary Caldwell for Scotland manager? You must be joking. Big Eck should be okay.

Gordon Combe: Great mananger. Outstanding previous record with Scotland. Should have been appointed straight away but the incompetence of the SFA knows no bounds. A far better manager than Michael O'Neill would have been. Will immediately command the respect of the players.

Martin Hughes: Anyone who says they walk away from supporting Scotland due the manager is a complete moron, that sort of attitude has spread from the hysteria of club supporters, you can’t just change your nationality!!

Graham Swann: It’s not perfect but it’s not a disaster (yet). Seriously, good luck to Alex McLeish. Clearly desperate to be successful and isn’t just filling in for the sake of it. Onwards to, eh, Peru.

"He's an excellent appointment," Celtic's Callum McGregor says of Alex McLeish's appointment as Scotland manager.

"He's got loads of experience and did the job before. He knows Scottish football and he knows how to set his team up well. It's a great appointment and I'm sure the lads will give 100%."

Image source, Reu