Preston North End boss Ryan Lowe has addressed reports linking him with the vacant managerial role at Rangers.

The 45-year-old is among the many names being linked with the position at Ibrox after Michael Beale was dismissed on Sunday evening.

And while Lowe refused to rule himself out of the race for the job, he also made clear his full focus is on Preston North End.

He said: "I was aware of it [Rangers links} this morning actually on the way in, my lad told me. Again, I don't do social media, I don't know. But, I think I've been linked with many jobs since I've been a manager.

"I think, when your team is doing well and you're doing well, you're obviously going to get linked. But, I am the Preston North End manager and it's a privilege to manage this football club, working with Peter Ridsdale and the Hemmings family.

"Whether it is true or it's not true, I don't know. But, as far as I'm concerned, this football club and the fans have stuck by me.

READ MORE: Analysing Michael Beale's Rangers turning and new manager hunt

"We went through a tough time last season and you only have to look at what we are doing now.

"I think I will probably be one of 20 or 30 people to be linked with a fantastic opportunity to manage someone like Rangers Football Club.

"But, my sole importance is Preston North End and there will probably be another manager linked with it this afternoon, tomorrow and whenever. For us, it is just the work we are doing.

"We are just doing our job and ultimately, when you are doing a decent enough job you are always going to get linked with other clubs. I

"am probably just one of 25 or 30 names, so it's nothing to me. My sole focus is PNE."