Paul Heckingbottom has played down speculation linking him with the vacant manager's role at Sunderland.

The 22nd-placed Black Cats sacked Simon Grayson this week. Hecky, who spent four years at Sunderland in the 1990s, said: "It's part and parcel of being in football. When things go well, players and coaches are linked with other clubs.

"It is flattering when that happens as it means we are doing well and are on the right track. I know a few people in the North East and they are the ones who have asked me about it but that's as far as it goes. I have had no contact with Sunderland and I am happy in Barnsley.

"I've had umpteen opportunities to move away but I've always wanted to stay. Moving is not in my head and I want to carry on with the job I'm doing."