Gordon Strachan says he would consider signing convicted paedophile Adam Johnson if he shows remorse for his actions.
The former England midfielder was released from prison last week having served half of a six-year sentence for sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl.
And, speaking on Sky Sports show The Debate, former Celtic manager Strachan said he would consider handing Johnson a second chance if he was in management.
'I would if he's shown genuine remorse,' Strachan said. 'Then I'd say, 'right, let's get on with it.
'I would because I go back to what I believe in, that everybody deserves a second chance - and he's done his bit.
'People will think he's done his three years but this is for life. People will say 'that's that guy'.'
Johnson remains on licence and, as part of his release conditions, he will no longer be permitted to spend time alone with his daughter.
Johnson is facing an uphill battle to try to resurrect his football career, after all of the football league clubs in the area of his home told Sportsmail they would not contemplate signing him.
One chief executive said he could not envisage any Football League club offering the 31-year-old a way back into the game given the nature of his conviction and the backlash it would cause.
The ex-Manchester City and Sunderland winger said during a leaked video from his time in prison that he had more hope of reviving his playing career abroad, and the likes of the Chinese Super League have been mooted.
However, Sportsmail understands that players moving to China have been subject to thorough criminal records checks and have had to declare any convictions.
The same is true of America, Australia and some Middle East countries such as Saudi Arabia, meaning Johnson’s opportunities are limited.
Hebei China Fortune, the club managed by Chris Coleman, said they would not consider signing Johnson because of his criminal record.
He has not been issued with a criminal tag but will be subject to strict licence conditions, including keeping in touch with a supervisor and living permanently at his address.
He will only be allowed to take up work if his supervisor approves it, and police will examine any overseas travel plans before he is allowed to leave the UK.
Johnson will also have more stringent conditions under the terms of the sex offenders' register, which he will sign for at least 15 years.
As well as not being permitted to see his daughter or other children unsupervised, he will have to hand over his bank card in order to prevent him accessing paid-for porn sites.