OWEN Coyle has been tipped as the next Scottish boss to make it big in English football.

The Clarets had an approach for the 41-year-old rejected last night after an offer of compensation was turned down by St Johnstone.

But a deal is expected to be agreed in the next 24 hours and Coyle should be unveiled as Steve Cotterill's successor in due course.

But Andy Walker, who played alongside Coyle at Bolton in the early 1990s and is now a TV pundit in his native Scotland, believes the former St Johnstone boss is a great choice for the Turf Moor hot-seat.

He said: "He's a thoroughly decent man and a terrific person.

"He's a great character and I am sure the Burnley players will realise quite quickly that although he is a very demanding coach and manager on the training ground, they will enjoy his company because being around him is infectious.

"His name has been linked with a couple of posts that became available in the summer, most notably Motherwell, so he's well thought of north of the border.

"He's a bright and up-and-coming manager and he's very knowledgeable about the game.

"I believe he's destined for bigger and better things and he's had a great introduction to management at St Johnstone.

"He took them to two semi-finals last season and they were unlucky to lose both."

And Walker believes that Coyle will be able to win over the doubters who were hoping for a more established name to take over at Burnley.

He added: "Owen will quite happily take on the responsibility of meeting the fans who say 'Owen who?'

"He's the type of guy that loves a challenge. He loves his football and he's capable of producing winning teams that have a bit of flair.

"But he will realise that in such a difficult league he will be able to quickly assess what he needs to be successful.

"He's one of a number of young Scottish managers that are starting to make themselves known.

"He's a passionate man and he will bring that passion with him to Burnley."