"For the younger contenders, there are several criteria, which include playing regularly for their clubs at a good level and, of course, their own form, the standard of their performances. I know there is a nucleus of promising younger players coming through and they will all be judged on their individual merits," said Burley.

"Players like Fletcher and Berra are playing regularly for their clubs and they are obviously the type we will be looking at. Christophe was a young player when I was at Hearts and was quick, strong and naturally left-footed. Obviously, he has developed well in the past couple of seasons. The same goes for Steven Fletcher, who has been playing consistently well.

"I will be approaching the job with an open mind, as you have to. Some people think that a new manager will automatically want to change the squad by bringing in what could be called his own players, but I don't think that's necessarily the case."