Peat: New role will be key

Scottish Football Association president George Peat claims the appointment of a performance director will trigger the adoption of several more of Henry McLeish's recommendations for the game.

Former First Minister McLeish published the first part of his Scottish Football Review in April, focusing on the grassroots game. The appointment of a performance director to oversee talent development was a key strand to the document and the SFA are working towards that goal.

Peat told the organisation's official website: "The appointment of a performance director is a key element of part one and this will, in turn, activate many other recommendations."

He added: "I think people underestimate the importance of this new role.

"Until now, the Scottish FA has had limited involvement in the coaching of elite players from the earliest age groups - by that we mean the nurturing of children to become future international stars.

"In order the achieve this, we need the support of the Scottish Premier League and, of course, the support of the government.

"Craig Levein has been heavily involved in establishing a performance framework - along with external specialists in the field - and once established, we can then look to appoint the ideal candidate.

"In addition, I have requested a meeting with the First Minister, Alex Salmond, and sports minister Shona Robison to ensure we maximise the effectiveness of our relationship.

"We need governmental support to ensure the recommendations can be implemented and believe that the outcomes will not just be beneficial for Scottish football but society as whole."