Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers rules out Northern Ireland role
Last updated on .From the section Football
Swansea City manager Brendan Rodgers has ruled himself out of contention to become Northern Ireland's next manager.
Nigel Worthington stepped down from his role following Northern Ireland's 3-0 defeat in Italy.
Carnlough-born Rodgers, who has led Swansea to the Premier League, says he does not have international management ambitions at present.
"Right now it's not something for me," said Rodgers, who was appointed Swansea manager in July 2010.
"Managing Northern Ireland is something I want to do at some point in my career for sure.
"It's my country. It's where I'm from, it's where I grew up and it's a country that I love.
"But hopefully that chance will come towards the end of my career, and I hope that won't be for many years yet.
"I have got too much energy to be an international manager at the moment."
Former Norwich City boss Worthington was in charge of the national side for four and a half years but failed to secure qualification for any major finals during his reign.
Jim Magilton, Iain Dowie and Lawrie Sanchez have been mentioned as possible successors while former internationals James Quinn and Colin Clarke have said they want to be considered.
And although ruling himself out of the running, Rodgers believes the IFA will have plenty of candidates to consider.
"There are a number of candidates who could fit the bill, like Martin O'Neill, although he may want to stay in club management," added the former Watford and Reading manager.
"I have a keen interest in the development of the country and I'm sure there will be a number of possible managers who will fit the bill."
