Terry Butcher and Steven Pressley last night moved closer to accepting positions within the Scotland backroom team. The pair emerged separately from Hampden Park following lengthy talks with George Burley, the new national team manager, but expressed a shared satisfaction that discussions had been positive and that a formalised agreement could be reached soon. Butcher would become Burley's assistant while Pressley would take on a coaching role in what would be his first foray into management. Both positions would be filled on a part-time basis.

Butcher travelled south again last night to discuss the opportunity with his family but hoped that a deal could be completed in the next few days. He said: "It went very well. We had a good chat and it was good to see him Burley again. There are lots of things to think about and I will go and have a chat with my family. Nothing has been signed yet but, hopefully, in the next 48 hours we can get something sorted out and I'm sure it will be.

"It was all very positive. George and Gordon Smith, SFA chief executive are both positive people and there's a real feelgood factor around Scottish football at the moment. Hopefully, George will carry that on."

Butcher, capped 77 times for England, believes his nation-ality is irrelevant as he looks to add a welter of experience, from both playing and managing, to the Scottish cause.

"All the people I've talked to both in England and Scotland about my scenario have all said that George has gone for the football person in me, not the nationality," he added. "You look at other international teams and they've gone for assistants who have that football knowledge. I'm lucky enough to have good inter-national knowledge, albeit it from a few years ago now."

Aside from his burgeoning media commitments - he will return to Fir Park tomorrow night to offer analysis at the Motherwell versus Celtic league match - Butcher is currently out of work. The former Brentford manager, however, believes the chance to work in international football is enticing, regardless of employment status.

"Even if you're working in football, it's still a great opportunity. A lot of prestige is involved in every inter-national post whether it is head coach, assistant, goalkeeper coach or whatever. It's a great boost for me and my confidence and I'm flattered that George even considered me. If I come, I want to be successful for George and then Scotland benefits. I'm looking forward to it."

Butcher laughed off a mention of possible split loyalties should the proposed friendly match between England and Scotland take place later in the year, adding: "The most important thing to consider is World Cup qualification. I've already started to talk that way."

Pressley expressed a similar contentment with the progress made during four hours of talks at the national stadium. The 34-year-old believes he can marry a part-time coaching role with his desire to continue playing.

"It looks like I'll be joining George and assisting him in trying to take Scotland forward. There are a couple of things that need ironed out but everything should be finalised soon. There shouldn't be any problems.

"It's a tremendous opportunity that he's given me and one that I'm looking forward to. There's a get-together on Sunday and we'll just take it from there. It won't have any bearing on my playing career. I can continue playing in the capacity that I will be involved with at the SFA and I full intend to do so. I said in the past that I certainly think I have something to offer as a player for several years and I intend to carry on playing."

Pressley revealed the short time he worked with Burley at Hearts - as captain and manager respectively - had a bearing on his decision to accept this post. "I only worked with George for three months but they were very enjoyable. I'm certainly looking to working with him. I'm very inexperienced in coaching but I've gone through the procedures in terms of gaining my licences. Obviously, I will learn from George and Terry, if he signs up."