IPSWICH Town manager Jim Magilton today confirmed his commitment to guiding Ipswich into the Premiership.And he put an end to any fears that he might be enticed into international management with Northern Ireland.

By Elvin King

IPSWICH Town manager Jim Magilton today confirmed his commitment to guiding Ipswich into the Premiership.

And he put an end to any fears that he might be enticed into international management with Northern Ireland.

“There is no chance of me leaving Portman Road,” said Magilton.

“I am fully committed to the task in hand and it is all systems go for me with Ipswich now and in the long term.”

The way Belfast-born Magilton has adapted to the manager's role with the Blues would make him one of the front runners if current Northern Ireland boss Lawrie Sanchez took the Fulham job full time.

Sanchez has led Fulham to Premier League safety and is in temporary charge at Craven Cottage, with Northern Ireland authorities not keen on him having the international job part-time.

“I have had no calls from Belfast and my only concern is Ipswich Town,” said Magilton, who won 50 Northern Ireland caps.

Magilton revealed that he is doing all he can to speed up the permanent purchase of ex-England striker Francis Jeffers.

“I want to get Franny in quickly,” said the Blues boss. “It would confirm our intentions to other potential newcomers that we do mean business.

“Franny has spoken to Blackburn this week in an attempt to get things moving as quickly as possible.

“He is keen to sign for us, and will be a great signing. The sooner it can be done the better.”

Jeffers' parent club Blackburn have said they will not made a decision on the 26-year-old striker until they finish their league fixtures on Sunday.

Magilton today ruled out a Portman Road return for former Town skipper Matt Holland.

The Republic international - who Magilton succeeded as Town skipper - is out of contract at relegated Charlton in the summer, but Magilton said: “Matt is a great character and has been a great servant to Ipswich.

“But he is a similar player to Sylvain Legwinski and he does not offer the team anything different.

“Sylvain enjoyed a very good 2006/07 and I am sure he will carry on in the same vein next season.”

Magilton is planning to continue afternoon training next season after the successful run when training sessions were switched at the end of last season.

“We will have morning sessions pre-season with swimming etc, but come August we could well go back to afternoon training,” added Magilton.

“Morning training sees some players go home and have a kip in the afternoon, when we need to have them ready and fully switched on at 3pm on match days.”