If Naismith gets the job, the logic is straightforward. He already knows the squad, the staff and the demands of international football. In a short turnaround, that matters.
That kind of move can look practical rather than inspiring, but national-team appointments are often shaped by the calendar as much as by ambition.
The report says Naismith, 39, has already been part of the national-team setup and is seen as well placed to guide a squad refresh. As a former Scotland international with a long club career that included Rangers and Everton, he has credibility in the dressing room and a clear understanding of the national-team environment.
That matters because the next manager may need to do two jobs at once:
For a federation looking for continuity, that profile has appeal.
The counterargument is just as clear. An internal appointment can feel safe at a time when supporters may want a sharper shift in direction. The report also says Naismith’s spell at Hearts ended badly, which will inevitably shape the debate around whether he is ready for the top job.
There is also a wider issue. Scotland have long wrestled with squad depth and the development pipeline. Any new manager, whether it is Naismith or someone else, would be judged not only on results but on whether he can bring through the next wave.
The next clue should come quickly. With the Nations League looming in September, Scotland’s decision appears likely to arrive soon - and the real test will start the moment the next squad is named.