Scotland manager George Burley insists he will not walk away from the job despite his side's failure to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.
The former Southampton and Ipswich manager's position is set to be reviewed by the Scottish Football Association after a 1-0 defeat to Holland at Hampden Park on Wednesday night consigned the Scots to third place in Group Nine, with Norway claiming the runners-up spot that could lead to a play-off place.
Burley is expected to come under severe pressure in the coming days but when asked whether he wanted to stay at the helm, he replied: "Of course. I've been in the job for a year and a half. It's probably a similar scenario to the last campaign. We lost to Italy then and this time we lost to Holland.
"We deserved something in both situations. We move on. The players we have brought in have done well so there is plenty to build on and plenty of improving to be done.
"Certainly the attitude and commitment has been first-class. It wasn't to be. We've got to take it on the chin and make sure we qualify for the next one.
"We were one step away. It's up to the SFA [as to his future] but as manager of Scotland, I'm certainly looking forward to the next few games.
"The whole structure has got to be better as far as bringing players through and quality. But I thought in the last couple of games we have shown that we have the appetite to qualify for major championships. But we've got to improve. Everything has got to improve - the manager, coaches, players - the whole thing."
Scotland delivered an impressive performance against Holland, but were undone by Eljero Elia 82nd-minute effort. But Burley insisted it could all have been so different, arguing that a Steven Naismith effort which was ruled offside should have stood and also reflecting on a glorious opportunity squandered by Kenny Miller.
"That's football - you've got to take an opportunity. It wasn't for a lack of trying, we had other opportunities. The goal we had ruled offside was onside. You need these decisions to go for you," Burley said.
"But it wasn't to be. The players did everything possible and came off with pride. The fans stayed with them but we needed that win. We needed the three points to get into the play-offs - we were that close."
Midfielder Paul Hartley has backed Burley's bid to remain as Scotland manager, saying it would "only be fair" for him to get another chance.
"I think the manager has been harshly criticised, it's not been fair on him but he has tried to deal with it in the best possible way," he said.
"It's not easy being the Scotland manager and he has been up against it since day one, from everybody. It's only fair that the he gets another chance at it.
"It's not good to be changing managers all the time, we have to stick with someone and try to progress again."
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