DANNY Wilson has been listed among the contenders to replace Lawrie Sanchez as Northern Ireland boss.

The Hartlepool United manager has just enjoyed a promotion-winning season at Victoria Park and, after making 24 appearances for his adopted nation during his playing career, is among the bookies' front-runners.

Also in contention are Ipswich Town boss Jim Magilton, Coventry City chief Ian Dowie and Leicester City caretaker manager Nigel Worthington.

Wilson is perhaps an outsider for the post, with the Irish FA expecting a high-calibre of applicants after Sanchez led the nation to the verge of qualification for Euro 2008 before quitting last week for Fulham.

"No one has contacted me so there is nothing to think about," Wilson said.

"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 but as far as I am concerned it is no more than just speculation.

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

Speaking in the aftermath of promotion last weekend, Wilson admitted that his name could be linked with other jobs this summer.

"I think everyone looks at people - in whatever walk of life - who are successful and we have had a successful season here,'' he said.

"Whatever happens happens. As far as I am concerned promotion was a fantastic achievement and let's hope we are enjoying the same this time next year.

"Everyone wants to better themselves in any walk of life and if that comes along we will look at it - but I very much doubt that will happen.''

Wilson, hoping to pip Swansea City and Hibernian to the signing of Hull City striker Darryl Duffy after lodging a six-figure bid, added: "It's fantastic to be promoted and I'm very proud of it, it is an achievement.

"You look at your own decisions throughout the season and, as a manager, you hope to make the right decisions more often than not.

"Overall we've got a lot to be pleased about.

"Let's hope we can take this club forward - the potential is here that's for sure. If we can get 7,000 in the stadium every week then what a fortress Victoria Park could be.

"We've got work to do over the summer and bring some quality in. Then people will want to come and watch us and I hope we can sign the players we want.''

He added: "The foundations at this club are all in place and it's a happy place to work at. Expectations are a bit higher here, maybe because of relegation last season and everyone looked to get back at the first attempt.''

Former Pools defender Chris Westwood has left Walsall to sign for Peterborough.