Giovanni Trapattoni left Rep of Ireland by mutual consent on Wednesday Photo: The Sport Review

Chris Hughton has ruled himself out of the running to succeed Giovanni Trapattoni as Republic of Ireland manager.

The Norwich City manager has been touted as one of the favourites to replace the 74-year-old in the Ireland hot seat after previously working as Mick McCarthy’s number two in the Irish set-up.

However, Hughton, who won 53 caps for the Boys in Green between 1979 and 1991, insists he is “extremely happy” at the Canaries and played down the current speculation.

“I am manager of Norwich, I am extremely happy here. We spent and invested more this summer than we ever have done. I have had support from the board here,” Hughton told a news conference on Thursday.

“I understand my name has been mentioned along with other previous players for Ireland. It is absolutely just speculation.

“I have a group of supporters who are fanatical and want this team to do well and I have the same challenges here as the supporters and the players have. I am incredibly happy here.

“There has been no official approach. We are a club I would like to think which is going in the right direction.

“There will be some very good names mentioned. I don’t know which way they will go but there won’t be any shortage of candidates.

Meanwhile, Leeds United manager Brian McDermott rubbished rumours suggesting the former Reading manager could be open to an approach from the FAI.

“I feel I’ve been adopted here at Leeds and I owe the supporters. The Ireland job is for the future,” McDermott said.