Hughton ‘no’ to Ireland

BRIGHTON boss Chris Hughton has ruled himself out of the running to be the next Republic of Ireland boss.

Hughton (right) won 53 caps for the Republic and has been talked of as a potential replacement for Martin O’Neill, who left the role on Wednesday.

But the only Irish manager in the Premier League said: “I have a job here that I’m desperately keen to do as well as I possibly can in.

“At this moment I have no interest in the job. The only interest I have is in the job here at Brighton.”

Hughton’s star has risen after guiding the Seagulls to the Premier League and keeping them there.

His team face a home match against Leicester tomorrow sitting 12th in the table and Hughton, who recently signed an extended contract until 2021, says international management may never be for him.

“I know the feel of being involved with the Irish team as a player and as a coach, because I was Brian Kerr’s assistant for three years,” said the 59-year-old.

“But at this moment I enjoy working day to day at a club like this, which is a wonderful environment.

“Will there will be a stage in my career where I might think about international management if there’s a particular offer or will I always want that day-to-day involvement? I don’t know.”