Scots weigh up pay-off for Vogts as chop looms

Berti Vogts could be sacked as Scotland manager before the end of the week, although the Scottish Football Association claim that no decision is expected until Thursday.

The speculation suggests that the German's two-and-a-half-year tenure will come to an end ahead of the friendly game with Sweden on 17 November.

It is believed Vogts will be paid off soon to allow the SFA time to appoint a new boss, with the former Rangers and Everton manager Walter Smith and Gordon Strachan the leading candidates for the top job.

Vogts has been a lame duck since the 1-1 draw in Moldova, almost certainly ruling out any chance of Scotland qualifying for the 2006 World Cup finals.