Martin O'Neill has reiterated his commitment to Aston Villa, saying he is uncomfortable with talk linking him with the England manager's job.

The Northern Irishman is reportedly the FA's first choice to take over from Steve McClaren, and had been the bookmakers' favourite.

O'Neill was interviewed for the post while jobless in 2006, but said he now had to concentrate on his work at Villa Park.

He did, however, playfully claim that he would be "absolutely brilliant" if he ever did become England manager.

O'Neill features prominently in the list of contenders who are dropping out as we keep abreast of the latest development in the race to replace Steve McClaren.

GETTING WARMER

FABIO CAPELLO

About the only man not to have ruled himself out, saying: "It would be a very interesting challenge and difficult challenges have always fascinated me." Capello knows a thing or two about unrealistic expectations, having been sacked by Real Madrid in spring after winning them the league. The Italian enjoys success wherever he goes, although he normally does so with the aid of a substantial transfer kitty - sadly not an option this time.

JUERGEN KLINSMANN

One man is convinced Klinsi and his VW Beetle would be perfect for England, and he goes by the name of Der Kaiser. Franz Beckenbauer has said: "Who can lead the boys with the three lions out of their coma? One name comes immediately to mind. Juergen Klinsmann. The England job would be ideal for him and he would be ideal for England."

RAFA BENITEZ

Benitez is reportedly impatient with Tom Hicks and George Gillett's reluctance to hand him transfer funds, and on Thursday batted away questions about his future with the same response 15 times. His credentials as a manager in cup competitions are virtually unequalled, and he knows English football. He would probably solve the thorny issue of how to accomodate Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard by rotating them in alternate games.

ALAN SHEARER

Even Shearer himself seemed genuinely stunned when told his name was being bandied about in Soho Square, and rightly so. He has never managed anyone. That said, neither had Jurgen Klinsmann when he took over Germany, and he took them to the World Cup semi-finals despite living in California. Shearer is still an outsider, however, with his main cheerleader a Scottish work colleague - Alan Hansen - and the FA looking for a little more pedigree.

GETTING COLDER

MARTIN O'NEILL

Mystifyingly overlooked last time round (is it 'cos I is a Catholic?), the Aston Villa was installed as the FA's first choice, Brian Barwick having seen the error of his ways. Too late. O'Neill is happy at Villa Park and would rather stay put than try to pull together England's rabble of complacent, WAG-pecked 'stars'.

JOSE MOURINHO

The former Chelsea man is a firm favourite with the fans,and John Terry has even come out in support of his appointment too, but he has reportedly told the FA he doesn't want the job. It is not hard to see why. Mourinho will continue to play the waiting game until either Real Madrid of Barcelona sack their coach, and will then make a return to the altogether more satisfying business of club management.

ARSENE WENGER

Not interested, obviously. This is a man who has made a career out of eliminating English players from his team on the grounds that foreigners are technically and physically superior. It turns out he is right, as the Premier League table confirms. "If I was English then of course, but I am not so it is a 'no'," he shrugged.

GUUS HIDDINK

It isn't that Hiddink has ruled himself out of the job, it is that he no longer sees any point in doing so. He is in charge of a team who have qualified for Euro 2008, and probably doesn't fancy jumping ship to one who haven't. Whatever the FA say, they don't want to appoint a caretaker until next summer, so Hiddink could "miss out" and content himself with the Chelsea job instead.

SAM ALLARDYCE

Got all teary when the FA plumped for McClaren last year. Having been jilted once, Big Sam is not going to risk another disappointment, and has already pledged his future to Newcaslte. Probably a moot point, though. There is little appetite for another gritty northerner, even one who knows how to organise a football team.

MARCELLO LIPPI

Has already won the World Cup with one country. Can he be bothered to try for two? It would seem not, based on his comments to Friday's Gazzetta dello Sport: "I have had no telephone call. If it comes we will see. I don't believe it will happen because I have always refused English requests." Charming.

LUIZ FELIPE SCOLARI

"Big Phil" was offered the job last time out, but didn't fancy all those lovely tabloid hacks rooting through his garbage. He is contracted with Portugal until after the European Championship and said he will see that contract out. The FA would need to wait until then if they wanted him to officially turn them down yet again.

ALAN CURBISHLEY

Another man who has said 'no thanks' despite never being in the running. "I've ruled myself out of that because I am happy here," he said.

MARK HUGHES

Has just signed a new contract with Blackburn, and has said he doesn't want the England job.

UNDER THE RADAR

Harry Redknapp, Steve Coppell, Sir Clive Woodward.

Click on the links under the picture to read what the contenders are saying.

Alex Chick / Eurosport