DREAM IS OVER FOR DEVASTATED IRISH
MICHAEL O’NEILL praised his “devastated” players and insisted it was too early to discuss his future as manager after Northern Ireland’s World Cup dream ended here.
O’Neill was gutted that all that separated his team from Switzerland over 180 minutes in the play-offs was a highly-controversial first-leg penalty.
He has been linked with the Scotland job after transforming Northern Ireland’s international fortunes since taking over in 2012 but said: “I have not even considered that. I am under contract until 2020 but I’m not thinking any further ahead than being with my players and spending time with them and making sure they are OK. They were phenomenal.”
The Irish went desperately close to taking the second leg to extra-time when Jonny Evans’ header, right, was cleared off the line in added time by Ricardo Rodriguez, who had converted what turned out to be the decisive spot-kick at Windsor Park.
O’Neill said: “After five-and-half years, this is a devastating moment but in terms of character from your team