Levein was installed as one of the early favourites to become the new Scotland boss after George Burley was sacked on Monday.

But Thompson told the Scottish Sun: "I don't want Craig going anywhere. He's the club's longest-serving manager since Jim McLean and, while Craig's an ambitious man, I'd love to still have him here five or 10 years from now.

"I suppose it's a compliment our manager is being mentioned in these terms.

"But it's difficult as, while I'll always want the national team to do well, at the end of the day I don't own the national football team.

"I want the best for my club and we want to hold onto the management team in place. I have huge respect for Craig as a person and a manager and all I really want is for him to remain as our manager.

"Hopefully the SFA find someone else for the job."

Thompson has not yet decided whether he would allow Levein to speak to the SFA should they come calling.

"If the SFA do ask for permission to speak to him I could refuse, because he's got a contract here," he said. "But that will depend on the man himself, although all that would be between Craig and I.

"Would I consider him doing both jobs? I'd have to think about that, but I don't think Scotland have to appoint a manager overnight."

Other favourites include Jim Jeffries, Gary McAllister and Walter Smith, but one man who had stated even before Burley left that he would not want the job was Graeme Souness.

However, former Scotland striker Mo Johnston, who was managed by Souness at Rangers, believes he could - and should - be persuaded to change his mind.

He said: "Graeme still has a passion for Scotland. I saw that when I was with him at the Scotland Hall of Fame dinner on Sunday. Talking to him about it, he was still hurting a little bit but sometimes you say certain things in the heat of the moment.

"He could easily come in and shake the trees. He's got that mentality and he certainly has that passion.

"He is a very persuasive man. But I honestly believe he can be persuaded."