The Irish Football Association has insisted that Sammy McIlroy will remain as manager of Northern Ireland.

McIlroy found himself being linked with the vacant job at Stoke on the eve of Saturday's Euro 2004 qualifier against Spain.

IFA president Jim Boyce was clearly annoyed at the timing of the story.

"I want to make it quite clear that Sammy will be remaining as manager," said Boyce.

"Sammy has the greatest respect, not only from me but from the whole of the IFA committee - and more importantly the players.

I am not looking for a club job Sammy McIlroy

"Sammy has given me permission to make this statement.

"He has assured me he will remain as manager of the IFA. Our word has always been our bond".

McIlroy's contract expires at the end of qualifying campaign and Boyce added: "It will be discussed then.

"He is proud to be the manager of Northern Ireland, it is a job he has always wanted".

Earlier McIlroy had told the BBC that he was "100 per cent committed to Northern Ireland".

"I am not looking for a club job," added McIlroy.

Dave Kevan was appointed as Stoke care-taker manager on Wednesday following Steve Cotterill's exit.

But the Daily Mail newspaper claimed the Potteries club planned to make an approach for McIlroy.

McIlroy was a popular player after joining Stoke from Manchester United in 1982 and was thought to be keen to return to club management.

IFA president Jim Boyce

Stoke were reportedly eager to bring him to the club during the summer, but chose Cotterill instead.

Former Gillingham boss Tony Pulis has also been linked with the job.

Meanwhile, Stoke chairman Gunnar Gislason has accused Sunderland of making an illegal approach for Cotterill and wants compensation.

He told BBC Radio Five Live: "We will speak to Sunderland about compensating us for the damage this is likely to inflict on us.

"He had already accepted a contract from Sunderland when he called me and told me he was leaving - so there can be no question as to whether this was an illegal approach from Sunderland."