DEREK McInnes last night admitted he was flattered to be linked with the Albion manager’s job – as two potential targets were ruled out.

Steve McClaren, who was yesterday sacked by German club Wolfsburg, was immediately linked with The Hawthorns hotseat.

But the former England boss is a non-starter, not least because he has issues outstanding with Wolfsburg.

And ex-Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce also ruled himself out, although he was a long-shot to start with.

His brand of football and style of management would not have appealed to many at The Hawthorns.

With those two off the agenda, Albion still have several potential candidates on their list.

Recently axed Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson ticks most boxes but there has been little progress so far as he ponders the next step in his career.

Former Newcastle boss Chris Hughton is also available, though there is conflicting information as to whether he could be offered the job.

Ex-Baggies captain McInnes, meanwhile, has publicly played down speculation over his future – but pointedly spoke fondly of Albion.

The current St Johnstone boss insisted he was continuing his job with the Perth club and declined to speak about a potential approach from the West Midlands for his services.