MICHAEL Appleton reckons he would be mad to rule himself out of contention for the England Under 21 job – but still sees his long-term future lies with Oxford United.

The U’s boss is viewed by two bookmakers as the favourite for the role, which was vacated when Gareth Southgate stepped up to take charge of the senior side in November.

Appleton, whose side visit Rotherham United in the Emirates FA Cup tomorrow, stressed no approach had been received from the Football Association and had no intention of putting himself forward for the post.

But that does not mean the role does not appeal.

He said: “I think I’d be off my rocker to rule out something like that.

“If the Football Association want you to look after the best young players in the country it would be very difficult to turn down and would be very disrespectful from me to say I don’t want to speak to you.

“It would be a sensible discussion between myself and Darryl (Eales, United’s chairman) at the time, but we’re having a completely hypothetical conversation.

“As far as I’m concerned I’m doing my job, preparing for Rotherham, and that’s it.”

He added: “We’re talking about speculation and bookies.

“I know as well as anyone all it takes is for someone to put £200 on someone they think has half a chance of being in a job.

“That’s where we are with it.”

The rumours show the extent to which Appleton’s stock has risen since arriving in July 2014 on the back of very brief stints at Blackpool and Blackburn Rovers.

But since then his reputation has been rebuilt, thanks to an eye-catching 2015/16 season which saw the U’s win promotion, reach a Wembley final and beat Premier League side Swansea City in the FA Cup.

It came via an attractive brand of football with a core of young players.

Appleton believes there is plenty more which can be achieved at United in Sky Bet League One, while acknowledging he has ambitions.

“I want to be here for the long-term, there’s no doubt about that, but ultimately if a Premier League job comes up tomorrow, what do you think I’m going to say?,” he said.

“Everyone in football knows the remit the FA are looking for.

“The lads were joking about it saying I tick all the boxes they’re looking for.

“That’s probably why there are rumours, but I’m not the one making a decision.

“Until someone comes to me and either offers me the job or speaks to Darryl and shows a bit of interest there’s not much I can add to it.”