Henry McLeish this morning published the second part of his Review of Scottish Football, which called for radical changes to the game, including a two-tier SPL with 10 teams in each division, an early start to the season, a winter break and the regionalisation of lower leagues.

Much of the former First Minister's "Structures, Leadership and Governance" document echoed proposals formulated by the Scottish Premier League's strategic review group, which are to be put to the 12 SPL clubs next Monday.

However, McLeish's report goes much further and the former East Fife player was scathing in his assessment of the set-up within the SFA, claiming it suffers from, among other things, a lack of "consistency, logic and at times discipline".

The Scotland boss said: "I feel a lot of things have needed to change for a long, long time.

"Over the years I've had my disagreements with the SFA and the way it has been set up and I took the job as the national team manager partly to try to affect some change.

"So I am really pleased that there is going to be a real shake-up in Scottish football.

"It's a number of things that need to change, not just one thing that will make a difference.

"I don't think I can influence Henry but I certainly had a number of chats with him as did a number of people at the SFA.

"I think the important thing is that the SFA actually follow some of these things through.

"It is an exciting time for Scottish football.

"There are so many things happening and so many changes about to happen with the SPL looking at the structure of the leagues as well.

"I feel that this could be a really significant time for Scottish football."

Levein, speaking in Alloa where he was launching the 2011 Bank of Scotland Midnight League programme, is aware the proposals will not be all things to all men.

"We will all have different opinions," the former Hearts and Dundee United boss said.

"There are points in there that might not be picked up on but I think it is the catalyst for change and that is the important thing.

"Ultimately what I am looking for is to improve the quality of player available to the national team manager and I think it is important that everyone recognised that we can do better.

"We have to improve the standard of the leagues and to do that, we have to make some changes.

"There will be people who don't like things changing, that's always the case but if we are serious about improving the game in Scotland then things have to change."

He added: "I think you also have to appreciate that the clubs and the SPL have looked very seriously at what they need to do, so they won't be doing anything lightly, they will be doing what they think is right for Scottish football.

"A lot of people said in the past that the SPL, the SFL and the SFA couldn't work together but in my opinion there are a lot of people willing to work together to improve Scottish football and that can only be good."

Levein, however, insists that regardless of league sizes, it will take a change in mindset of club managers if more young players are to be nourished to international class.

"It is important that managers are keen to give players a chance," he said.

"You can make it a 20-team league but if the manager doesn't give young players a chance, it doesn't matter how many teams are in the league.

"If we are going to concentrate on bringing young players through then we have to give them opportunities.

"That doesn't just mean the SPL teams, going back 20-25 years a lot of good very, very good international players came through the lower leagues."

Meanwhile, Levein admitted that 21-year-old Hearts winger David Templeton, named the Clydesdale Bank young player of the month for November, is in the frame for a call-up but refrained from confirming him in his squad for February's Carling Nations Cup game against Northern Ireland.

The former Scotland and Hearts defender said: "He is one that I have my eye on and of course there is Andrew Driver to come back for Hearts as well.

"There are a lot of young players eligible to play for Scotland these days who really excite me and David, if he continues his improvement, will be another one of those.

"I can't say at this minute in time who will be involved in that squad. Anyone who is playing well has a chance.

"I mentioned David because I am aware of his improvement and I have seen him play a lot recently.

"He is indicative of a group of younger players with a great degree of technical ability, which will hopefully develop and flourish to help the Scottish national team for years to come."