St Mirren manager Jack Ross has insisted he remains focused on his job in Scotland despite acknowledging links to the Ipswich Town vacancy.
We revealed last week that the Blues have been granted permission to speak to the 41-year-old Scot, who guided St Mirren to the Scottish Championship title last season, having completed a remarkable turnaround 18 months after taking over at a time when the club was struggling at the wrong end of the league table.
Speaking on BT Sport on Friday night, Ross admitted he will ‘listen to what they (Ipswich) have to say’ and that he could be faced with a difficult decision should he be offered the chance to replace Mick McCarthy at Portman Road.
MORE: St Mirren give Ipswich Town permission to speak to Jack Ross
But, while acknowledging the links to the Blues’ vacancy yesterday, Ross insisted his focus remains on preparing St Mirren for their return to the Scottish top flight next season.
“At the moment for me, and I’ll always try and be fully frank and honest, my work and focus is very much on trying to build a squad and be progressive here,” he told Sky Sports.
“Until that changes then it will remain the case. In terms of ambition I want to be as good as I can be at the job I’m in. This job has been great for me as it’s offered me the chance to prove myself in the last 18 months and I want to try and get better at what I do. I’ve never had any preconceived ideas about my career, just as long I feel I am improving.
“I think there has been communication between the clubs, but at the moment I don’t know anything more than that, which is ok.
MORE: Knudsen named in Denmark’s provisional World Cup squad
“I think those that know me know that I have spent most of my time since the season finished at our training ground trying to push on with our plans for next season.
“I understand that it goes with the territory and you can’t complain about it because it’s a lot better than nobody being interested in you.”
Ross and Shrewsbury manager Paul Hurst are joint favourites for the Portman Road job with the bookmakers at 7/4, with Hurst’s side booking their place in the League One play-off final on Sunday with victory over Charlton.
The final, which will see Shrewsbury take on either Rotherham or Scunthorpe at Wembley, takes place on May 27.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here