BURNLEY'S wing magician Ted McMinn has emerged as a red-hot favourite to take over Scottish Second Division strugglers Queen of the South.

McMinn's name was linked to the vacant post today following the sacking of manager Billy McLaren after a crushing 4-2 Tennents Scottish Cup exit at the hands of Queens Park.

"I know Ted McMinn is very keen to break into the managerial side of football but this is all just speculation at present," confirmed manager Jimmy Mullen.

"I am not surprised that they have mentioned his name in Scotland because Queen of the South was Ted's first club as a player before he moved on to Glasgow Rangers."

The winger is still highly regarded in Dumfries and Galloway and still retains close family connections with his home town Castle Douglas, only several miles from Dumfries.

The Queens, who could only manage a 3-3 draw with Stenhousemuir at Palmerston Park last night, are currently struggling in the lower reaches of the Division Two. But the 33-year-old winger is quoted as saying: "I've made no secret of the fact that I would love to be considered for the job at Queen of the South if it was offered.

"I've had a lot of experience down the years under several different managers. I'm very experienced and I know my capabilities.

"I'm ready to apply and my C.V is ready. I intend to to try and talk to Norman Blount. " (Queen of the South chairman).

It is understood that Greenock Morton's Rowan Alexander and St Johnstone's Davie Irons are also early favourites for the post.

Meanwhile, embarrassed Wrexham manager Brian Flynn has slammed North Wales and Merseyside press reports linking him with a return to Turf Moor.

An angry Flynn blasted: "It's a lot of waffle as far as I'm concerned. There is no truth in it whatsoever.

"It's a story that has was manafactured. I've no intention of leaving the Racecourse. I'm manager at Wrexham and long may it continue."

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