Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini has ruled himself out of the running for the soon-to-be vacant manager's position at the club.
The 33-year-old emerged as a surprise favourite to take the reins at St James' Park due to Crystal Palace-bound Alan Pardew's imminent departure.
However, the Argentine insists that he wants to continue playing for the foreseeable future and backed caretaker boss John Carver to help the team through a "difficult situation".
"I am a football player now and want to play for a few years more. I want to enjoy being on the pitch. It's not for now," Coloccini told reporters.
"It is a difficult situation, but John Carver is with us. He has the experience to take the job.
"Of course it is difficult, but it has not affected the team. When you go on the field, you have to leave all the problems behind you."
Newcastle played out a thrilling 3-3 draw against Burnley with Carver at the helm this afternoon.
Barney Corkhill
