Steve McClaren plays down Premier League links

Derby County boss Steve McClaren has played down speculation linking him with a move away from the Championship outfit.

The former England manager has been linked with the vacant managerial positions at both Newcastle United and Queens Park Rangers, but the 53-year-old has moved to distance himself by diverting attention back to his plight of securing promotion with County.

"Shall we move on? Good try. I answered that speculation a few weeks ago, and it is the same answer now. Nothing changes. We laugh it off and move on quick," said McClaren, according to Goal.com.

"So let's focus and concentrate on the job in hand which is trying to get Derby County into the Premier League."

Derby are currently level on points with league leaders Bournemouth in the Championship standings.