Burley: I can take over teachings of Tigana

George Burley today confirmed his interest in replacing Jean Tigana as Fulham manager.

He is desperate to manage in the Premiership again and is favourite to take over at Fulham, even though he is presently in charge at Derby.

The former Ipswich manager is on a game-to-game contract at Pride Park while the club deals with "serious allegations" about the conduct of the suspended John Gregory.

Burley was brought in to ensure Derby's First Division survival, which will be almost guaranteed if they beat Millwall at home tonight, and could be offered the job on a permanent basis.

He says he has not been contacted by Fulham, but his candidacy is under serious consideration.

"The Premiership is where I would like to be but I will have to see what is on offer," said Burley today.

"I loved it there and I think I can do well again. I enjoy being a manager at a good club and that is what I'm looking for on a permanent basis."

Fulham's criteria for a new manager centre on the ability to work with their current squad, to bring through young players and to cope with limited resources.

They also want someone with top-flight experience who will continue the attractive style of football developed by Tigana.

Burley said: "My record speaks for itself. We got into the play-offs four times, won one promotion and did well in the UEFA Cup. I was manager of the year in 2001 when we finished fifth in the Premiership.

"We had to sell a player almost every season when we were in the First Division and we got promotion with players we had developed or bought from the lower leagues."

He has also put a stop to Derby's five-match losing sequence with two consecutive wins. Whether he can make it three depends on Millwall, who have no new injury worries for tonight's game. Burley has Robert Lee available again after suspension.

Barry Hayles, meanwhile, made a 45-minute comeback for Fulham's reserves in a 4-0 win at Leicester last night after overcoming a potentially career-threatening neck injury.

Fulham have reconfirmed that they will be based at Loftus Road again next season and are looking to ground-share with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge after that.