Chris Hughton refuses to discuss Albion job

Birmingham boss Chris Hughton today backed Roy Hodgson's appointment as England manager but refused to be drawn on whether he would replace him in the Albion hot-seat.

Blues boss Hughton has been praised for leadingthe club to the Championship play-offs following their relegation from the Premier League last season.

Hughton, who was linked with Wolves in the past, is thought to be high on a shortlist of potential candidates at The Hawthorns.

The former Newcastle manager, 54, signed a rolling contract at Blues when he took over from Alex McLeish last summer and it has been reported that Albion would have to stump up around £750,000 to land him.

Today Hughton preferred to concentrate on tomorrow night's play-off semi-final first leg against Blackpool.

"I can only speak at this moment about what is fact and what is fact that we have two tough games coming up," he said.

"Our focus is on these two games and that is taking 100 per cent of my focus and time. I'm in a job here which is an important job."

Hughton believes Hodgson is the right man for England and added: "There is no doubt about his credentials. He has great experience in management and coaching terms."