The monthly meeting gave the 12-man board their first opportunity to collectively debate the appointment of a successor for George Burley, who was sacked last month.

Dundee United manager Craig Levein remains the favourite to land the post, with John Collins second on many bookmakers' lists.

Levein has refused to discuss the issue while Collins admitted his interest, although he subsequently played that down.

Levein and Walter Smith are believed to have been the two names mentioned most in initial discussions among SFA office bearers, but the Rangers manager then ruled out a return to the hotseat.

SFA chief executive Smith will head the hunt for Burley`s replacement but he will be guided by the board`s wishes, especially those of fellow office bearers including president George Peat.

Smith said: "I can confirm that at today's scheduled Scottish FA board meeting, the board agreed on the procedures that will culminate in the appointment of a new national coach.

"The matter was discussed extensively and vigorously, along with various other issues on the agenda.

"We will now initiate that process in the coming weeks and, in keeping with the timescale outlined previously, it remains the Scottish FA's intention to appoint and present a new national coach in time for the Euro 2012 qualification draw in Warsaw, Poland, on February 7, 2010."

Burley was sacked after Scotland`s 4-0 friendly defeat by Wales in Cardiff, which followed his failure to lead his country into the World Cup qualification play-offs.