EDDIE Howe has moved to end speculation linking him with the Portsmouth job by insisting: “I’m 100 per cent committed to Burnley!”

The Clarets boss emerged as the bookmakers’ favourite, at 8/11 on, to succeed Steve Cotterill, who left for Nottingham Forest a fortnight ago.

Pompey have already begun the interview process and have, so far, not made an approach to Burnley for Howe, who is just nine months into the three-and-a-half year contract he signed after leaving Bournemouth. As such he would command a significant compensation package.

Nevertheless, rumours suggesting the 33-year-old former defender could return to the club he spent two-and-a-half seasons, between 2002 and 2004, refused to go away, particularly as the job would mean returning to his south coast roots.

But Howe was keen to end any uncertainty among both players and supporters ahead of tonight’s Turf Moor derby with Blackpool (kick-off 5.20pm).

“It’s an honour and a privilege to be Burnley manager and I’m 100 per cent committed to the club,” he told Lancashire Telegraph Sport.

Howe has overhauled the squad to develop a younger, fresher team since taking charge in January following Brian Laws’ sacking on December 29, 2010.

He has been reunited with former Bournemouth players Marvin Bartley and Danny Ings, who is sidelined with a long-term knee problem, and spent £1.2million to make Charlie Austin his first signing, from Swindon Town.

Howe has also fast-tracked youth team product Steve Hewitt, signing the 17-year-old midfielder on a two-and-a-half year professional deal this month.

“I feel like I’m only just beginning the job,” he said.

“We are very keen to build plans here for the long term and bring success to the club long term.”