Former Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock has admitted he would jump at the chance to return to football with Hearts.

The 58-year-old resigned as boss of the Blades this week following their relegation from the Barclays Premiership.

He expressed a determination to return to work soon and to the Premiership and was linked with the likes of Leicester.

However Warnock, who spent over seven years with United, could be tempted by an offer from Scotland.

Hearts are currently without a permanent boss, with head coach Valdas Ivanauskas having stood down in mid-March.

Sporting director Anatoly Korobochka has taken charge, working alongside assistant Stephen Frail, and results and performances have been encouraging in recent weeks.

Hearts may look to keep both on as a permanent management team, however the likes of Warnock could come into contention if owner Vladimir Romanov turns to an experienced British boss.

Warnock said: ''I love Edinburgh and I enjoy going up there. My wife would love me to go up there and if Hearts came looking for a manager then that is something that would interest me.''

Scotland could go it alone in a bid to host the European Championships in 2016 after First Minister Alex Salmond pledged his full support.

Although there would be obstacles to overcome, notably the standard and number of suitable stadiums, the Scottish FA described Salmond's backing as ''a welcome gesture''