Allenbelieveshecan become the Master

THE Scottish FA rate their chances of landing Michael O’Neill as only 50-50, and their assessment of yesterday’s talks has offered further encouragement to the IFA.

Sources close to the talks have referred to a ‘productive’ meeting, but the Irish FA remain confident O’Neill will stay as Northern Ireland manager and not take the Scotland job.

The 48-year-old will make the biggest decision of his career in the next few days and, while nei- MARK Allen thrashed Ronnie O’Sullivan yesterday and then declared he is ready to win the Dafabet Masters and end his wait for a triple crown title.

The Northern Ireland ace produced the upset of the tournament attheAlexandraPalaceashe thumped the seven-time champion and pre-tournament favourite 6-1 to reach the semi-finals. Antrim’s Allen has always been regarded as one of the most talented players on tour, but he’s not kicked on as expected and is yet to win one of snooker’s three biggest titles — the ther the IFA or SFA have given O’Neill a deadline, both would prefer him to make a decision before the Uefa Nations League draw next Wednesday.

The IFA still believe O’Neill (right) will stay with them and agree to a new six-year contract, taking him through to 2024, and worth over £4m.

Within that deal is the opportunity for O’Neill to have a major say on how youth football will be developed here.

DECISION TIME: P59 World Championship, UK Championship or Masters.

But the 31-year-old thinks that could end this weekend after he produced a fine display against O’Sullivan to book a last-four match against John Higgins or Ryan Day.

“I knew coming here that there was possibly four matches ahead of meandIamheretowinit,”hesaid.

“Anything less than winning would be very disappointing, regardless if I’d gone out against Ronnie or anyone else.

“You cannot go out there and be scared of Ronnie, you have to go out there and impact the game itself and that’s what I did.

“I have two matches to go, and if IplaylikeIhavesofarthenIhavea good chance.”

VICTORY SPECIAL FOR ALLEN: P55