Australia boss Graham Arnold says he rejected an approach to take charge of Scottish club Hibernian, insisting he has more to achieve with the Socceroos.
Arnold was linked to the vacancy on Wednesday after Hibs parted ways with Lee Johnson last week.
Speculation in Scotland has now placed Central Coast Mariners boss Nick Montgomery at the top of the club's shortlist.
The Edinburgh-based club currently sit bottom of the Scottish top flight and were thumped 8-0 on aggregate by Aston Villa in the Europa Conference League on Friday (AEST).
"It was an honour that Hibs rang me and offered me the job but I've got a job to do here," Arnold said on Friday after unveiling his squad for the September 10 friendly against Mexico.
"I will say I love coaching our nation, I feel I've got a great job.
"For me it's all about Mexico, getting ourselves ready for that and developing and helping our boys in Australia.
"I spoke to their owner and at this moment the timing's not right.
"I have a job on my hands here and I have full focus on the Socceroos."
Arnold was touted for the Hibs gig in 2019 but with the Asian Cup on the horizon this January, it would have been a surprise to see the 60-year-old leave his nation in the lurch.
The links this time gathered steam because three Australians - James Jeggo, uncapped defender Lewis Miller and Martin Boyle - are on the books at Easter Road.
Boyle has been recalled to the Socceroos squad for the first time since he suffered an ACL injury on the eve of last year's World Cup campaign in Qatar.
Arnold said he considered leaving him out but was impressed by the winger's form on his return from injury.
"You've got to give the guy full credit, he had the operation in November last year and nine months later he's back," Arnold said.
"Most players take 12 months so he's he's done exceptionally well and hit the ground running straightaway with Hibs.
"It's great to have him back and if anyone does deserve anything it's Boyley because he copped that injury just before the World Cup."
