Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Craig Levein's appointment as Scotland coach.

The Manchester United gaffer said: "If it was going to be a Scotsman, Craig was the obvious candidate.

"He did a good job at Dundee United and hopefully he does really well because I want to see the team qualify for the European Championships next time."

Ferguson reckons Levein will need more luck than predecessor George Burley, who was sacked after last month's humiliating 3-0 friendly defeat in Wales which followed hard on the heels of his failure to lead Scotland to next summer's World Cup.

The Old Trafford boss said: "They were unlucky to miss out on a play-off place but being unlucky is not a criteria for keeping your job."