Bruce in the race for England job

Steve Bruce is definitely a runner in the race to be England football manager as several media outlets reported Tuesday the Hull City coach had held talks with the Football Association.

The 55-year-old Englishman -- who like older compatriot and rival Sam Allardyce has yet to win any silverware during a long time in club management -- said prior to the talks he thought the job should go to a homegrown talent.

"I think the top of the FA in my opinion should be English. I've always said that, there's nobody more patriotic than I am," he told BBC Radio Humberside.

"I'm honoured to be linked with it. It's the pinnacle to go and manage your country. What bigger job in the world is there?" added Bruce, who has also managed, among other clubs, Wigan and Sunderland.

Hull, who Bruce guided to an immediate return to the Premier League with a play-off final win over Sheffield Wednesday in May, issued a statement confirming he had spoken with the FA.

"The club can confirm that manager Steve Bruce has held informal discussions regarding the England vacancy, although no official approach has been received from the FA," read the statement.

"We would hope to see the FA conclude their business quickly in order to avoid further speculation regarding Steve ahead of what is a season of huge importance for the club following our return to the Premier League."

Bruce, who enjoyed a successful playing career captaining Manchester United although without being capped internationally, and Sunderland boss Allardyce are thought to be on a four-man short list also comprising young Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe and the experienced USA coach and former German striker Jurgen Klinsmann.

The three-man FA panel -- which is made up of former Manchester United chief executive David Gill, FA technical director Dan Ashworth and chief executive Martin Glenn -- are seeking to find a successor to Roy Hodgson.