Ince had stated it was "flattering" to be linked with jobs elsewhere when he spoke at his morning press conference today.

The comments from the former England midfielder, who only took up his first Barclays Premier League job in June after the departure from Blackburn of Mark Hughes, did not halt speculation he could take the St James' Park post.

The former MK Dons boss is a former England team-mate of Dennis Wise, Newcastle's executive director of football, who set him on the road to management by giving him a coaching job during his days as Swindon manager.

But Ince tonight clarified his position on the Newcastle link, and insists he is "very happy" with his current job.

"As I said at our pre-match press conference earlier today, I cannot control media speculation and nor do I normally choose to comment upon it," Ince told Blackburn's official website, www.rovers.co.uk.

"However, I feel I owe it to the club, the players and the supporters to say that I am very happy at Ewood Park.

"I am only a few weeks into the role and I am thoroughly enjoying the experience. My only focus is Rovers and getting on with the job."