Richardson's 'full focus' is on Reading

Reading boss Leam Richardson has distanced himself from a move to Championship side Blackburn Rovers following reports linking him with a move to Ewood Park.

The Royals boss had been pitched as one of the favourites to take the vacant role after Valerien Ismael was sacked earlier this month with Rovers then in the Championship's relegation places.

But Richardson has played down a potential move as he chases the League One play-off positions with Reading.

"You can never stop the speculation and I understand it," Richardson told BBC Radio Berkshire.

"We've had no direct contact [with Blackburn] and I don't think there's many questions to be answered. My focus hasn't veered in any shape or form in what I have set out to do and my role at this club.

"My full focus is on the job at hand, we have a massive game Saturday and have had a really good week with the players."

Asked if he could catagorically rule himself out of becoming the next Blackburn boss, Richardson replied: "I think we've answered those questions."

Richardson signed a one-and-a-half-year deal as Reading boss in October following the departure of former boss Noel Hunt.

He took over with the club 19th in League One and has since lifted them to 10th and eight points off the top six.

Reading are next in action on Saturday when they travel away to face AFC Wimbledon.