Coleraine manager Ruaidhri Higgins has revealed interest from Israeli club Maccabi Haifa is “not something that appeals to me” with his sole focus remaining on winning the Gibson Cup at a club where he’s “the happiest I've been in football for a long time”.

Reports emerged earlier this week that Higgins, who celebrated Irish Cup glory in his first full season at The Showgrounds, had attracted interest from further afield.

Maccabi Haifa currently sit fifth in Israel’s top-flight and are searching for Barak Bakhar’s replacement after he resigned following a third straight league loss on November 7.

Higgins’ name was brought to the club’s attention after scouring statistical databases with the ex-Derry City chief “one of a number of candidates” being considered.

placeholder image — Coleraine manager Ruaidhri Higgins. (Photo by Desmond Loughery/Pacemaker Press)

However, Higgins has ruled himself out of the running for the position and insists he’s prioritising happiness over potential financial gain.

"There was definitely something in it,” said Higgins. “You know how clubs work nowadays - it's very much data driven and computerised.

“All I know is I was on a short list, a data driven short list, but that's as much as I can say.

“It's not something that appeals to me, that's the truth.

"This is the thing, and I genuinely mean this, this is the happiest I've been in football for a long time.

“I've never been as well looked after in my career and I'm talking about from 14 years of age, I've never been as happy the way the club looks after me and the staff.

“Everyone who is at this club has been unbelievable to me and my staff.

"I know how hard happiness is to find in life, particularly after the past number of years. It would take a lot more than finances.”

Coleraine currently sit one point adrift of leaders Linfield as they look to celebrate their centenary year in style by winning a first Premiership title since 1974.

The Bannsiders finished second last term before sealing Irish Cup glory with a 3-2 victory over Dungannon Swifts at Windsor Park, booking their European return in the process.

Having only turned 42 last month, Higgins still has many achievements he wants to tick off his career wish list – starting with league title joy.

“I've so much to prove,” added Higgins. “I've never won a league as a manager.

“I've so much to do and so much to prove, moreso to myself.

“It is how clubs work nowadays - bigger clubs have a lot at their disposal and that's how the game has gone, data driven.

“Gone are the days where people get jobs based on having a big name.

"Happiness is hard to come by.

"It's certainly not something that I'm searching for. It's the happiest I've been - on and off the pitch - for a long time.”