Ray McKinnon would be delighted if fellow Dundonian Ian Cathro joins him in the Scottish football managerial ranks.
Former Dundee United youth coach Cathro is the favourite to succeed Robbie Neilson at Hearts and McKinnon, who worked with the 30-year-old when he was at the SFA, believes it would be a good fit.
He explained: “I know Craig (Levein) really rates Ian so if he gets it then it’s the perfect place for him.
“It makes a lot of sense for him to have his first job under Craig because of the belief he’s got in him.
“Having someone there to bounce things off will be massive, someone to mentor him and coach him.
“He couldn’t be going into a better club, although it will be a massive step up for him.
“He will have challenges but I’m certain he can handle that.
“I put Ian through his coaching badges when he was 24 or 25, he’s a lovely lad and I know him really well.
“He’s very studious, he’s very into his video analysis and I think that was his role at Valencia and also at Newcastle.
“If he gets this opportunity it will be a great success because having Craig there to guide him.
“He’s also mentored Robbie in the last few years and helped him bring success to Hearts.
“So it Ian gets it I’ll be delighted for him – especially as it’s always good to see a fellow Dundonian do well.”
