St Johnstone are reportedly down to the final two candidates in their search for Craig Levein's replacement. 

Levein was axed from his managerial role at McDiarmid Park last week after a run of four consecutive defeats. 

Ayr United boss Scott Brown, Larne's Tiernan Lynch, and Aberdeen first team coach Peter Leven were all believed to be on St Johnstone's shortlist. 

But Brown is the first potential gaffer who has withdrawn his interest following talks with Saints owner Adam Webb. 

Webb was keen to get the ex-Celtic captain at the helm, but instead Brown has opted to remain at Ayr, who currently top the Scottish Championship after seven matches. 

St Johnstone are thought to have already asked Aberdeen for the green light to discuss the prospect with Leven as they weigh up their options.

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Meanwhile, Lynch has been warned that the 'grass isn't always greener' by jumping ship and heading to Scottish football. 

That's according to Cliftonville coach Gerard Lyttle, who has been in a similar position himself and he insisted there are a lot of things to take into consideration if offered the chance to manage outside of Northern Ireland.

“We’ve got lots of great, talented players in this league, and talented managers as well, and it’s great to see them being looked at now,” he told the Irish Times.

“I was in a similar scenario when I left Cliftonville to go to Sligo. Going by my experience, something that I would advise any young manager to do is do your homework on the club first and foremost, see where they are and what they expect from you.

“Obviously budgets come into play, expectations, where they want to see you in the league, whether it’s winning the league, qualifying for Europe or staying in the league.

“And then family plays a big, big part – you’ve got to factor that in massively if kids and schooling is involved, maybe your wife, what her career path is as well.

“There’s lots to take into consideration and the grass isn’t always greener.

“For me, now, seeing our league and watching it grow year in, year out, it’s great. The opportunities here are a lot better because there are more opportunities to be involved full-time, and we all want to be involved in full-time football, no doubt, it’s our livelihood.

“I would say for any manager, whether it’s Tiernan or David or Oran Kearney before that, you have to be sure and make sure you have good backing in terms of support.”