The 36-year-old, who retired from playing to take up a coaching role at Hearts in 2021, will lead the Tynecastle side for the remaining seven matches of the Scottish Premiership campaign and if his audition proves successful, and he reclaims third place from Aberdeen to set up the prospect of European group stage football next season, then he will likely be in contention to land the job on a permanent basis.
This has been reflected in the bookmakers odds with the former Scotland internationalist listed as the current favourite to still be manager of the Gorgie club when the 2023-24 season kicks off in August.
Should Hearts decide to turn to a more experienced coach then there is a whole list of candidates who the bookies reckons could be in the frame including the recently departed ex-Chelsea assistant manager and the current head coach of Brentford B team.
Here are the top names listed by McBookie as most likely to be Hearts manager for the opening league match of next season…
13. Billy Reid 16/1
The former Hamilton Accies boss was most recently the assistant manager at Chelsea until the sacking of Graham Potter. The 59-year-old has worked with Potter for almost a decade after first linking up at Swedish side Ostersunds. Photo: Julian Finney
14. Craig Levein 16/1
It is a surprise to see the two-time former Hearts boss on the bookmakers list given the acrimony that surrounded the end of his previous tenure. Had some high moments in the Jambos dugout but a return for the ex-Scotland boss, now combining punditry with an advisory role at Brechin City, would seem highly unlikely. Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group
15. Czeslaw Michniewicz 16/1
The former Poland manager left his role when his contract was not extended after taking the country to the last 16 of the World Cup. The 52-year-old would bring European experience to Tynecastle, having won the Polish league titles with Legia Warsaw and Zagłebie Lubinm. Photo: KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV
16. Davide Possanzini 16/1
A leftfield name on the list, the 47-year-old is more known for his roles as an assistant to current Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi at Palermo, Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donetsk. His only experience as a manager came earlier this year at Serie B club Brescia where he was sacked after just 13 days after losing both matches in charge. Photo: Tullio M. Puglia