Eddie Howe dismisses Portsmouth link

Burnley manager Eddie Howe has played down suggestions that he is to take the vacant managerial post at Portsmouth.

Howe is the bookies' favourite to replace Steve Cotterill, who left Fratton Park earlier this month to take over at Nottingham Forest.

The 33-year-old spent two years at Portsmouth towards the back end of his playing career, which was shortened by a succession of knee injuries, but he has denied reports he will be leaving Turfmoor to return to Pompey.

"It's an honour to be Burnley manager and I'm 100 per cent committed to the club," he said.

"We are very keen to build plans here for the long-term and bring success to the club long-term."

Howe led Burnley to a 3-1 victory over local rivals Blackpool yesterday, while managerless Portsmouth lost 3-1 at Derby.