The Scottish Football Association have refused Walter Smith permission to talk to Rangers about the vacant managerial position at Ibrox.
Smith held talks with The SFA on Monday in the wake of Rangers’ approach for their former boss over the weekend.
Rangers see Smith as their preferred successor to Paul Le Guen who left the club by mutual consent last week.
Former Everton manager Smith intimated to The SFA on Monday that he wanted to leave his job to take up the role at Rangers, but the SFA were quick to turn down his request.
SFA chief executive David Taylor confirmed they had rejected Smith’s request to leave.
“Following contact from Rangers Football Club, we held a meeting this morning with Walter Smith.
“At this meeting Walter Smith asked to be relieved of his contract as national team manager for Scotland.
“This request has been refused and Rangers Football Club have been advised accordingly.”
