Alan Stubbs focused on Hibs amid Reading job 'speculation'

Hibernian boss Alan Stubbs maintains he has not been contacted by Reading over their managerial vacancy, with Brian McDermott emerging as a leading contender to return to the Madejski Stadium.

Reading sacked Steve Clarke following last week's 1-0 home defeat by QPR, the Scot having only just decided to stay at the Berkshire club following an official approach from Sky Bet Championship rivals Fulham.

The Royals are said to be confident of having a new manager in position ahead Saturday's trip to Preston, with Under-21s head coach Martin Kuhl currently looking after the first-team squad.

However, former Bolton and Everton defender Stubbs, reportedly on the English club's shortlist, insists he will not be heading south, with his Hibs side currently second in the Scottish Championship.

"When the team's winning players get linked to other clubs and it's the same with managers. As far as I am concerned it's speculation. I'm firmly focused on my job here and that will never change," Stubbs said.

"If I keep winning games, then yes there may be speculation with other clubs, but the most important thing on my mind is winning games for Hibernian Football Club.

"Yes it's great to get the rewards, but the most important thing is that we are getting results on the pitch and you don't get these awards unless you are getting results on the pitch. So, from that point of view, we are really happy."

McDermott, 54, was sacked by former Reading owner Anton Zingarevich in March 2013, having taken the club up into the Premier League as champions in 2011/12.

The 54-year-old also managed Leeds from April 2013 to May 2014, and is currently working as a scout at Arsenal, whom he used to play for.

Others said to be in the frame for the position include former Leicester boss Nigel Pearson and current Birmingham manager Gary Rowett.