Celtic manager Martin O'Neill today committed himself to seeing out his contract with the Scottish champions.
O'Neill, favourite for the vacant Leeds United's manager's job following the sacking of David O'Leary, spoke today at a fund-raising lunch for Shelbourne FC at the Burlington Hotel in Dublin.
O'Neill gave a speech during the lunch in which he said he wanted to "see through the remaining year of my contract."
The 50-year-old former Leicester City manager claimed the only way he would leave would be if Celtic sacked him.
"If Celtic do not sack me I intend to see out my contract," he told the audience.
The news will devastate Leeds fans who had made O'Neill their favourite to take over from O'Leary.
Earlier today Celtic warned Leeds they would fight to keep hold of O'Neill.
The Ulsterman is believed to be top of Elland Road chairman Peter Ridsdale's wanted list .
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is safe to say if Leeds or any team approached us, the club would do everything in its power to keep Martin at Celtic."
PA