Rafa Benitez speaks out on Scotland job with Spaniard in contention for role

"I was watching Scotland and I know some of the players," Benitez said.

"I think you did well to go there to the World Cup.

They achieved what they could achieve. I don't think that they could have achieved any more."

The 66-year-old Spaniard, who's been without a club since leaving Panathinaikos in May, made it clear he fancies a crack at international management.

"It's always a challenge. So I am open to the challenge," he added.

Clarke's exit came as a real shock, especially given he'd just signed a fresh four-year contract only weeks before the tournament.

The 62-year-old walked away within minutes of Scotland's elimination being confirmed, leaving the SFA scrambling to find his successor.

Scotland's World Cup journey was a mixed bag – they kicked things off with a 1-0 victory against Haiti but couldn't build on it.

Back-to-back losses to Morocco and Brazil meant they couldn't sneak through as one of the best third-placed sides.

It's another tournament where Scotland have failed to make it past the group stage, and now the search is on ahead of Nations League action and Euro 2028 qualifying.

When it comes to who might actually land the job, Everton's David Moyes is sitting pretty as the bookies' favourite.

The former Manchester United boss clearly has plenty of admirers north of the border.

But he's far from the only name in the frame – there's quite a list of contenders being talked about.

Falkirk manager John McGlynn and Millwall's Alex Neil are both in the mix, as is current Scotland coach Steven Naismith.

Roberto Martinez, who's previously managed both Belgium and Portugal at international level, is another option the SFA could consider.

One name that's definitely off the table is Ange Postecoglou, who's now taken charge at Al-Nassr.