Brian McDermott has underlined his commitment to Leeds after being linked with the Republic of Ireland vacancy.

McDermott was among the names immediately put forward in the wake of Giovanni Trapattoni’s sacking.

But when quizzed ahead of his side’s trip to Bolton, the Leeds boss said: “One day I want to manage Republic of Ireland but I’m at a fantastic club.

“I owe them and the supporters. I’m committed 100 per cent.”

Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney had confirmed that McDermott was high on their list of possible replacements for Trapattoni, while the former Reading boss, whose parents are both Irish, stated publicly last year that it was a lifetime's ambition to take on the role.

McDermott spoke of his "immense pride" at having been linked with the post at a press conferencebut confirmed he would be staying put at Leeds, where he succeeded Neil Warnock as manager in April.

"My reaction is immense pride more than anything," McDermott said. "I was sat with my very good friend last night in my flat and we were looking at the Sky Bet odds - Martin O'Neill was top and I was second.

"If you consider I've been a manager now at this level for four years and to get to that, for me, there's nothing but pride.

"So I'm probably doing something right, which is good, and everybody knows what I feel about Ireland, my family, my history and how important that is to me.

"So those would be the words that I would use - incredible pride."

When asked if wanted the job, or would be offered the job, McDermott said: "No. My situation is that one day I want to manage the Republic of Ireland, but at this moment I'm at a fantastic football club.

"I've kind of been adopted here and feel I owe this club and I owe these supporters.

"They're really important to me. I came here in April and certain things were said, but I'm here now and I'm committed 100 per cent.

"I would regard Leeds United as a very big club. Very big clubs can spend £50million on players and we can't do that here, but we can find a way to make us successful.

"It's really important for me that we become successful at Leeds United and one day if I ever get the opportunity - and it's been a privilege to see my name bandied around - that (Republic of Ireland) would be a job that I'd really want to do.

"But at this moment I wouldn't be leaving Leeds United for any other club and in years to come when Leeds get fed up of me, that might be the case and if I got that opportunity I'd have to take it."

McDermott steered Reading to promotion from the Championship in 2012 in his second full season in charge at the Madejski Stadium but was sacked the following March, with Leeds' owners quickly turning to the former Arsenal winger to try and get the club back in the Premier League after a ten-year absence.

Leeds were unhappy when John Delaney, the Football Association of Ireland’s chief executive, publicly mentioned McDermott in a radio interview.

Martin O’Neill is the early favourite but Delaney said the Irish board will be discussing several potential candidates, including the Leeds boss.

Delaney said: “It will be interesting to see who puts themselves forward. Mick McCarthy, Brian McDermott, Chris Hughton, Roy Keane, Martin O’Neill – all of those names would come into the pot.

“I am looking at Mick McCarthy and Brian McDermott and I know that both men, having spoken to them over the past couple of years, they would both like to get their hands on this job. But not necessarily at this stage.

“I know Brian McDermott, given his heritage with his parents being Irish, and having spoken to him on Irish radio, would love to manage the Republic of Ireland some day.”

Captain Rudy Austin is back from international duty for tomorrow’s trip to Bolton, who are still looking for their first win.

It will also mean a return to the Reebok for Stephen Warnock, who was on loan there from Aston Villa before Christmas last season.