Gordon Strachan hired as Scotland coach, replacing Craig Levein

GLASGOW, Scotland – Gordon Strachan has been hired as coach of Scotland's national team and outlined plans to qualify the underperforming team for its first major tournament since 1998.

Strachan, who played 50 times for Scotland and also for Manchester United in a 19-year career, was given a 3½-year contract to replace Craig Levein, who was fired in November.

Scotland (0-2-2) is last in its European World Cup qualifying group and 72nd in the FIFA rankings. It appeared in five straight World Cups from 1974-90.