Keith Downing says he is preparing himself to lead West Bromwich Albion over the busy Christmas and New Year period.
The 48-year old has taken on the caretaker manager duties at The Hawthorns following the sacking of Steve Clarke and insists he has to embrace the job as the fixtures begin to pile up in the Premier League.
However, Downing says he is solely focused on hosting Hull City on Saturday before he looks any further ahead with the Baggies.
"I've not been given a specific time," said Downing. "It's been reported that I will be staying over the Christmas period, but it is a game-by-game basis. I am totally focused on Hull.
"I will take it from there and if required over Christmas I will do that, but for now it's just Hull."
He added: "I have to embrace it, even if it is under different and sad circumstances.
"I have spoken with Steve and he told me it is an opportunity to have a go at it. I managed at Cheltenham for 15-16 months and, even though it was a smaller club, it was still managing."
