Owen Coyle is relishing the prospect of readying his Burnley team for the rigours life in the Premier League, despite speculation linking him to the vacant Celtic job.

The Scottish-born former Republic of Ireland international insists he is focused on the "exciting challenge" at Turf Moor, having guided the Clarets to promotion to the Barclays Premier League.

Although a boyhood Celtic fan, Coyle has ruled himself out of succeeding Gordon Strachan at Parkhead, and told Sky Sports News: "I'm very much focused on what we are going to hope to do in the Premier League.

"It is an exciting challenge and one I am looking forward to.

"I think the fans know the rapport I have with this football club. We think we have an exciting prospect and challenge ahead of us and we want that to continue.

"What an exciting prospect to pit your wits against the best managers in world football with the best players and best teams - it's the best league in the world."