Gerard Houllier has dismissed speculation that he will stand down as team manager at the end of the season.

In the wake of Liverpool’s dismal recent run, there have been reports that Celtic boss Martin O’Neill had beenapproached to become the club mannager with Houllier assuming the role of director of football at Anfield.

However, the Frenchman has issued a curt denial, claiming he woul rather be sacked than accept a diminished role at the club.

“I have never felt better than I do at the moment, even better than when I was taken ill,’ Houllier told Skysports.

‘I enjoy my job and there’s no way I’m going to go upstairs. They’ll have to send me downstairs before they send me upstairs.

“When you lose six points, all of a sudden, the rumours say that you have been taken ill and that other people are coming in. Sometimes it helps the other people who are signing a new contract. All I can tell you is that I feel fine.”