Former Northern Ireland striker Colin Clarke has put himself forward to replace Lawrie Sanchez as manager.

Sanchez quit last week to join Fulham on a full-time basis with the province leading their group in the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

The Irish Football Association believe there will be many high-profile candidates for the job.

Clarke, who scored 13 goals in 38 appearances for Northern Ireland and was part of the 1986 World Cup squad, claims he would fit the bill.

He has been coaching in America for the past decade and was in charge of Major League Soccer side Dallas Burn last season.

Clarke told BBC Radio: "It is something that would excite me and something I would relish.  It would be a great challenge and I would certainly love the opportunity.

"I have been coaching in America for the last 10 years and I have had success the last six years in the MLS.

"I have good credentials that would enable me to take the job. I am confident in myself and my own ability. I know what it takes to win games."

Hartlepool boss Danny Wilson has dismissed reports linking him with the vacancy.

Wilson, who achieved promotion from League Two with the club this season, 10 years after guiding Barnsley to the Premiership, said: "As far as I am concerned it is no more than just speculation.

"No-one has contacted me so there is nothing to think about. I have been asked before, a few years ago, but the time was not right for me, so maybe that is why my name has come up again.

"I suppose it is flattering to be mentioned as one of the possibilities because I suppose it means that you are doing something right."   PA