​KILMARNOCK manager Mixu Paatelainen has this afternoon ruled himself out of the running to take charge of Scunthorpe United, according to reports in Scotland.

The 44-year-old is now opening discussions with Finland about becoming the new boss of the country's national team.

Paatelainen was one of four names on a shortlist to become Ian Baraclough's successor and is almost certain to have spoken to Iron chairman Steve Wharton inside the past 48 hours.

But BBC Scotland say the former Hibernian and Bolton Wanderers striker - offered a new-five-year contract by desperate Killie last night - has now decided against a switch to England.

The Telegraph were told by a source close to the Finn that Paatelainen was keen on a fresh challenge after thinking he had taken Kilmarnock as far as he could.

That new challenge could now be in charge of his country.

Talk of Paatelainen's future would be one reason behind why the bookmakers have today slashed the odds on Alan Knill being offered the post.

Currently in charge of League Two side Bury, the former United defender was rated at evens by online firm Skybet this morning, yet early this afternoon he was 2/9 on.

Knill did little to quell speculation after his side's goalless draw at Port Vale this afternoon either, claiming only that he expected to be Shakers manager on Monday morning but 'you never know in football'.