ALAN Pardew has moved to assure Newcastle supporters that he’s staying put, despite speculation linking him to the England job.

The United manager’s name was flung into the hat of possible successors to Fabio Capello, who resigned from the post on Wednesday night.

Top of the list is Tottenham’s Harry Redknapp, hot favourite with the bookies, with Pardew (pictured below) not too far behind. Should Spurs block any approach from the FA, or even Redknapp knock any offer back feeling that his work at White Hart Lane is not yet done, the United boss could find himself with a major decision to make.

Or could he? Pardew yesterday was quick to play down any speculation.

He said: “I look at the England role and the one thing I think the FA need to look at is what is the end-game for the manager. Is it good? I think that’s something that if I was Harry, I would consider. What is the outcome? Am I going to get two tournaments?

“Once a tournament ends there’s huge speculation about the manager and it all becomes critical. I think that’s something on a personal level that whoever the manager is, should be looked at.

“It’s never been on my agenda. I’ve always been a supporter and a loyal England fan and I do keep my eye on it, but that’s because I’m in the trade, so therefore I have an opinion and that is that the job is a difficult one.

“Some national managers have been young – (Jürgen) Klinsmann and Joachim Löw (with Germany) – but that won’t happen here.

“Because of the press and media here, you have to have a considerable amount of knowledge and I think that when you get to those senior years you’re more equipped to do it.

“Therefore people like Roy Hodgson, Big Sam (Allardyce) and Harry are the three outstanding candidates. You have to have experience.

“What you have to remember about our job is that we are resilient, we have rhino skin. That’s because of the some stuff we have to hear on the sidelines, some of the stuff that we have to read and listen to.

“Harry will have to look at his family and make sure they’re prepared and that’s why a more experienced manager is more suited to that.

“Harry’s family is older, his kids are older.

“I couldn’t imagine my kids going to school if I was England manager, if I’m honest.”

Should Redknapp take the England job, Pardew’s name has also been bandied about as a possible choice for Tottenham, United’s opponents tomorrow – something he was also keen to dismiss.

He added: “My focus is very much here. I think it’s important to say that because there will be speculation. That can be very damaging to the players and staff here, so I want to make it very clear to them that I’m staying.

“We’re having a great season and we’re hoping to continue to do that. I look at the club further down and we’ve got young players coming through.

“We’re hoping to build foundations at the club and that’s the kind of work that goes on. The first team now is pretty much set, and we go from game to game looking to win as many as we can.

“The important thing about our jobs is that you’ve got to feel comfortable in the position as manager and I do feel comfortable here – comfortable in the surroundings and (with) the fans and the board, in particular.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle midfielder Haris Vuckic has joined Championship side Cardiff City on an initial one-month loan.

The 19-year-old midfielder has made five appearances for United this season, and Alan Pardew has allowed him to join the high-flying Championship outfit to continue his development.

Pardew is also without Leon Best, who looks likely to miss the rest of the season following his medial ligament injury sustained against Aston Villa last week.

Pardew said: “He’s doubtful for the rest of the season, because of the type of injury it is. The question is would I rush him back, would I need him back, with the team I’ve got. Possibly not.”

:: NEWCASTLE United Under-18s last night reached the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup, after being pushed all the way by a promising Queens Park Rangers side. In front of a crowd of 1196 at St James’, QPR secured a first-half lead with their first real attack, but the young Magpies battled back and won a penalty when Marcus Maddison was fouled, Adam Campbell levelling the scores.

With no further scoring, the game entered extra time and substitute JJ Hooper headed home the winner from a Maddison cross to set up a last-eight tie with Blackburn.