Neil Warnock has spoken out for the first time after reports that he might quit as Cardiff City boss — insisting that he's fired up for the relegation dogfight.

There had been concerns the Bluebirds manager may walk away with the tragic Emiliano Sala situation taking its toll, with Warnock visibly tearful after his side's 2-0 win over Bournemouth on an emotional night.

But after Cardiff officials dismissed the rumours out of hand, Warnock then reiterated his commitment and "responsibility" to the side he's desperate to keep in the Premier League against all odds.

He has no intention of leaving, especially after his team's "two best performances of the season" against Bournemouth and Arsenal.

"I've spoke to Mehmet Dalman and our relationship is so close, he knows my feelings," Warnock told WalesOnline.

"Over the past few weeks, there have been times when I thought 'is it worth it, being a football manager after all that's happened?'

(Image: Getty Images)

"But I'm looking forward to (the rest of the season), I've got a responsibility to the club.

"And with Mehmet it's strange, I'm 70 years old but he's like my father. I don't know if that's a compliment, but he's just such a calming influence."

Warnock has been personally affected by the disappearance of Cardiff's record signing Sala in a light aircraft destined for the Welsh capital from Nantes more than a fortnight ago.

The manager had met with Sala on numerous occasions before the £15million deal was agreed.

That closeness was reflected in Warnock's emotional reaction to the Bluebirds fans' incredible tributes to Sala before, during and after the Bournemouth win.

Their new chant 'Sing a song for Sala' echoed around Cardiff City Stadium after an inspiring victory.

But Warnock now wants to press on with the "massive" job on his hands and secure Premier League safety for the supporters with whom he has developed a remarkably close affinity.

"It has been the worst time in my career really with the tragedy," he admitted.

"The ups and downs have been unbelievable, but it's a big job that's just got bigger and I'm relishing it.

"We'll still be big favourites to go down, but I'm looking forward to going down to Southampton (Cardiff's next game). They'll expect to turn us over, but I think we've got a great chance of getting a result.

"We'll take another massive following down there and the pressure will all be on them, with the atmosphere."

Warnock then referenced his side's excellent displays in their past two matches as one of the main factors now driving his enthusiam.

He's also been encouraged by the performance of new signing Oumar Niasse up front, as well as the revitalised Bobby Decordova-Reid.

"Rest assured, I am shattered — it's a tiring job — but I'm enjoying it," he said.

"We've just had our two best performances of the season, why would I stop now?

"We've got to give everything with this close-knit group of lads and treasure every result.

"It's hard sometimes travelling back from places like Newcastle and especially Arsenal when I thought we should have got a result.

"But that's because I love football and I love to win.

"I've spoken to Mehmet and Vincent (Tan) and they know I'm desperate to do this, it would be the biggest achievement of my career".