Newcastle United caretaker manager John Carver has admitted that he wants to lead the club on a permanent basis.

The Magpies are searching for a new boss after Alan Pardew left the club to take charge of Crystal Palace.

Fabricio Coloccini and Steve Bruce have both distanced themselves from speculation linking them with the vacant post, but Carver told the Newcastle Chronicle that he "would be a fool" to not put his name forward for the role.

He said: "I would be a fool if I didn't want the job. Deep down I was always thinking that.

"Results dictate what happens but I don't feel any different. I still want to be head coach. I have put my hat in the ring.

"I have told the players that. I didn't make it public, I told the players that on the first morning because I didn't want them to think anything else. Now I am making it public."

Carver's first game in caretaker charge of the club ended in a 1-0 loss to Leicester City in the FA Cup this afternoon.