Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
PLEASE STAY , MICHAEL
As World Cup dream ends in Basel thoughts turn to future of boss O’neill
MICHAEL O’neill won’t be rushed into a decision on his future after Northern Ireland’s World Cup dream ended in tears in Basel.
The Edinburgh based coach remains high on the Scottish FA’S wanted list to replace Gordon Strachan and speculation is set to intensify after last night’s result.
The gutsy 0-0 draw at St Jakob Park ensured Switzerland will go to Russia on the back of a 1-0 aggregate win thanks to Thursday’s controversial win in Belfast.
With uncertainty also hanging over the future of senior players Gareth Mcauley, Aaron Hughes and Chris Brunt, O’neill insists it isn’t a time for knee jerk reactions. One can only hope he includes
himself in that analysis – although it seems certain the Irish FA face a battle to hold onto their man.
O’neill, who could double – or even treble – his wages with Scotland, said: “I am under contract until 2020 so tonight is about being with my players and making sure they are OK.
“I said to the players, there is no need to make any rash decisions on anything that they want to do.
“It’s a difficult time and it will come for them and they will make decisions going forward.
“Certainly the likes of Aaron (Hughes) and Gareth (Mcauley) at 38 and 37, and Chris Brunt, these players have had long and established Northern Ireland careers and they have time to make that decision.”
Asked about persistent speculation linking him with the Scotland job – he is now a 7/4 favourite to succeed Strachan – he said: “No, I haven’t even considered that.
“Speculation is created by journalists, it gives them something to write about and they ask me to comment on the speculation.
“It’s a great equation to have.
“I am not thinking any further ahead than just being with the players.”
O’neill has taken Northern Ireland from 88th to 20th in the world rankings and the Euro finals for the first time ever during his six years at the helm.