The SFA have been given permission to open talks with Michael O'Neill for the vacant Scotland manager's job.

Northern Ireland boss O'Neill was quickly identified as the top target to replace Gordon Strachan.

An approach was made to the Irish Football Association earlier this week, and now permission has been granted.

O'Neill, 48, turned out for six Scottish clubs during his playing career and was handed his first job in management by Brechin City in 2006. He still lives in Edinburgh.

After two years in the job he moved to Shamrock Rovers, winning the league twice and guiding the club into the group stage of the Europa League.

Success at club level led to his appointment as Northern Ireland boss in 2011 and he led the team not only to the Euro 2016 tournament but through the group stage to the second round.

In the subsequent World Cup qualifiers, the team finished second in their group behind Germany before losing their play-off to Switzerland.