whatever
14-09-2004, 11:06
Wales boss Mark Hughes insists he has no plans to turn his back on his country in order to succeed Graeme Souness as Blackburn's new manager.
Hughes, who is favourite for the job, said: "I've no plans to leave the post, which is more than just a job to me.
"I am a Welshman, who is as proud today of being national team manager as I was on the day I was appointed."
The FA of Wales insist they have had no approach from Rovers and are determined to keep hold of the highly-rated coach.
Reports at the weekend claimed Hughes was set to resign to take over at Blackburn.
Rovers defender Craig Short earlier told BBC Sport that Hughes would be a popular appointment in the dressing room.
But Hughes, who ended his playing career at Ewood Park, claims he is only interested in planning for Wales' World Cup qualifier with England on 9 October at Old Trafford.
Hughes is expected to announce the squad to face England at a press conference next week in Cardiff.
He remains confident about Wales' chances of qualifying for Germany 2006, despite a stuttering start to their campaign with draws against Azerbaijan and Northern Ireland.
He added: "It's ridiculous to say the qualifying group is over because I remember as a player losing 5-1 in an opening World Cup qualifier and yet we took it to the last game in the group."
Hughes, who is favourite for the job, said: "I've no plans to leave the post, which is more than just a job to me.
"I am a Welshman, who is as proud today of being national team manager as I was on the day I was appointed."
The FA of Wales insist they have had no approach from Rovers and are determined to keep hold of the highly-rated coach.
Reports at the weekend claimed Hughes was set to resign to take over at Blackburn.
Rovers defender Craig Short earlier told BBC Sport that Hughes would be a popular appointment in the dressing room.
But Hughes, who ended his playing career at Ewood Park, claims he is only interested in planning for Wales' World Cup qualifier with England on 9 October at Old Trafford.
Hughes is expected to announce the squad to face England at a press conference next week in Cardiff.
He remains confident about Wales' chances of qualifying for Germany 2006, despite a stuttering start to their campaign with draws against Azerbaijan and Northern Ireland.
He added: "It's ridiculous to say the qualifying group is over because I remember as a player losing 5-1 in an opening World Cup qualifier and yet we took it to the last game in the group."