WE MUST FIGHT TO KEEP MIKE

AS Irish FA chiefs ponder a new contract for Michael O’neill, captain Steven Davis says it’s “crucial” everything is done to keep the in-demand Northern Ireland manager.

It was reported yesterday that the IFA are ready to offer O’neill - whose current £500,000-a-year deal expires in 2020 - improved terms in an attempt to keep him from the grasp of the Scottish FA.

The 48-year-old (above) is Scotland’s No1 target to replace Gordon Strachan while the likes of Rangers, Sunderland and the USA are also being strongly linked.

Davis, who was handed the skipper’s armband when O’neill was appointed in 2012, hopes O’neill remains in charge for the new UEFA Nations League and Euro

2020 campaigns.

The Southampton midfielder said: “It is crucial we keep Michael. It is only natural that other parties are going to be interested in him but from a selfish point of view we want him to stay.

“I can speak for every single player and say it would be