Australia captain Michael Clarke has stuck to his mantra of ignoring any Ashes speculation despite Jason Gillespie continuing to be linked with the vacant England coaching position.

Gillespie confirmed on Friday he’d held talks with former England captain and current director of cricket Andrew Strauss about the role.

While the former Australian Test paceman says he is just one of several candidates for the position, Gillespie remains many people’s favourite to take over the reins just in time to face his old team.

England have been seeking a coach since the sacking of Peter Moores on May 9.

Paul Fabrace has taken over in a temporary role for the current series against New Zealand but 40-year-old Gillespie has long been linked with the full-time position.

Gillespie was appointed coach of English county Yorkshire in 2011 and took them from division two to the county championship within three years.

Clarke played 17 Tests with Gillespie including the fast bowler’s final appearance in 2006, where he scored an unbeaten double-century against Bangladesh.

Despite being full of praise for his former teammate, Clarke, as he has done throughout the build-up to the upcoming two-Test series against the West Indies, refused to discuss any England team matters.

“Love Diz (Gillespie). Great fella,” Clarke said.

“Unbelievable bloke and I really loved playing with him but I couldn’t care less right now who coaches England.

“I’m really focused on trying to beat the West Indies team here, I’ll worry about England when we have to.”