CHRIS Hughton has again insisted that his focus is on Birmingham City and the Championship play-offs.

And as concern over his long term St Andrew’s tenure heightens, Hughton said he could hardly talk hypothetically and about speculation.

Hughton is a prime target for West Bromwich Albion to replace Roy Hodgson, who was appointed England coach on Tuesday.

Although his comments on the issue when grilled by the media at a Wast Hills press conference were non-committal, they didn’t draw a line under the issue either.

“I am in a job here which has been an important job all season,” said Hughton.

“I have got a group of lads who have worked extremely hard to get where we are this season. We very much deserve to finish in fourth place.

“We have two massive games coming up over the next few days.

“It’s a focus this club - myself and the players - are very much attuned to.

“I can only speak about this particular moment, what is fact. I can’t affect any speculation, or things that are not fact.

“What is fact, as I say, is that we have got two massive games in front of us. Our focus has to be very much on that, and will be on that.”

Hughton received a standing ovation at Blues awards dinner on Monday night by a 1,000 strong audience at the ICC.

Blues fans adore him for what he and the players have done this season.

So, he was asked, why was it that he didn’t feel able to commit his future [to Blues]?

He replied: “It’s very simple: I have a contract at this football club and it’s only speculation. It’s non-facts that are brought to my attention.

“It’s always very difficult to speak about things that are very hypothetical.

“I have a contract at this football club, we are in a good place at this particular moment because of these play-off games.

“It’s very difficult to speak about anything that is not fact.”

Despite the financial strife at St Andrew’s, there is no certainty that Hughton would walk if Albion came calling, even if Blues didn’t win promotion.