TONY PULIS has ruled himself out of the running for the Wales job . . . even though he admitted that it would be an honour to be their national manager one day.

With John Toshack confirming his resignation at a press conference today, Pulis had been touted as one for the frontrunners for the vacant position.

But the 52-year-old Welshman has made it quite clear that he is fully focused on the job of consolidating Stoke City's position in the Barclays Premier League.

"I am very happy at Stoke City Football Club and excited about the job we have to do here in establishing us as a Premier League club," said City's manager.

"It would be a great honour to be Welsh manager one day, but the timing is not right now. I would certainly miss the intensity of the situation I'm in at the moment because as a national manager you are only working for a small number of games each year."

Pulis expressed disappointment at news that Toshack has decided to step down and considers that he has done a "smashing job" which bodes well for the future.

"John has brought the young players through and given them valuable experience at international level, so there will be a time when they come good," he added. "If they can pick up one or two good results, then I am sure the confidence will come back.

"What I think it needs now is a structure putting in place. That is what has worked so well for the Republic of Ireland under Giovanni Trapattoni who has stuck with a group of young players and introduced a formula which has worked so well recently.

"If the new manager can put that structure in place then I am sure he can get the best out of those young Welsh players and take them forward."