But Motherwell boss Butcher, who was captain of England under Robson, does not believe he will return to top-flight management with the Jambos, despite their position at the top of the Bank of Scotland Premier League.

Butcher said: “I would be very surprised if he took the job.

“Sir Bobby Robson has a fantastic pedigree and history as a manager.

“But I would be extremely gobsmacked if he was to take the Hearts job.”

Butcher believes Robson could still bring out the best in the shocked Hearts players, who have been left reeling after the departure of Burley before the win over Dunfermline on Saturday.

Tynecastle majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov is searching for a new manager with Robson and former Parma coach Nevio Scala among the leading candidates.

But, despite his age, the Fir Park boss is still convinced the ex-Barcelona and Newcastle manager can be more inspirational than bosses half his age.

Butcher told Real Radio: “If you speak to Sir Bobby Robson about football, you would have a fascinating and wonderful conversation because he is an incredible man.

“There are a lot of men half his age who do not have the same fire in their belly.

“His passion for the game is second to none.”

Meanwhile, Hearts interim manager John McGlynn wants to allow the club as much time as possible to appoint a successor to Burley by maintaining their unbeaten SPL record.

He said: “I don’t know how long I’ll be in charge and I’m sure everyone is aware that the search is now on for a new man.

“We’re not in a hurry and we won’t be forced into a decision but there’s no doubt that results will impact on that.

“I’m sure if we keep on getting results we may not be in a big a hurry but we will be if results turn.

“There’s no doubt that as soon as we get one defeat everyone will jump on the bandwagon, that’s the nature of the beast.

“We’ve been going so well but it’s difficult to think that we’ll go through the whole season and not be beaten.

“Somewhere along the line a defeat will come but the longer we keep on winning then the need to find a new manager is not so great.”

Hearts chairman George Foulkes has vowed to ensure the club maintains the fight for Champions League status next season after the departure of Burley.

And the Jambos chief is confident the squad will remain intact for the rest of the SPL season.

Foulkes said: “I am sure they now see the potential of the club and I am confident they will want to sustain that for as long as possible.

“As far as the future of the club is concerned, the board and the players want us to be fighting for a Champions League place at the end of the season.

“And we will be putting all our efforts into achieving that goal.”